Full text of "Annual report"

See other formats

UMASS/AMHERST ^

3iaDbbDD53DD3Ea

0?-MA^^

i863"

DATE DUE 1

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACtlUSETTS
LIBRARY

383

C23A

24th-

36th

1911-24

CARS

CARD

' f 1 *?> A 1.* V

r>f ihi

mFmm^

REPORT of the TWENTY -<roygJiH' ANNUAL
y MEETING of the CAPE COD CRANBERRY
GROWERS' ASSOCIATION, held at WAREHAM.
MASS., TUESDAY, AUG. 22. 1911, together with a
REPORT of the STATE EXPERIMENTAL BOG

Cc'L.-*^-*

THE COURIER PRESS

WAREHAM, MASS.

191 I

■MMMMMMI

LIBRARY "n

UNIVERSITY OF \
MASSACHUSEHS

AMHERST, MASS. j

io3 4

REPORT of the TWENTY - FOURTH ANNUAL
MEETING of the CAPE COD CRANBERRY
GROWERS' ASSOCIATION, held at WAREHAM,
MASS., TUESDAY, AUG. 22, 1911, together with a
REPORT of the STATE EXPERIMENTAL BOG

ANNUAL MEETING

Pursuant to a call duly made by th? secretary, the twenty-
fourth annual meeting (being the second annual meeting of
the incorporated body) of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers'
Association was held at Wareham on the 22nd day of August,
1911, in Fireman's hall. The meeting was called to order by the
president, George R. B riggs, at 10 A. M.

The call for the meeting was read and the report of the secre-
tary read and approved. It was voted to proceed with the elec-
tion of 12 directors and the chair appointed Seth C. C. Finney,
John Clark and T. T. Vaughan as tellers. The following directors
were elected by ballot: George R. Briggs, John C. Makepeace,
Joshua Crowell, Franklin E. Smith, Irving C. Hammond, Lemuel
C. Hall, Arthur N, Kenney, Franklin I. Marsh, Seth C. C.Finney
S. N. Mayo, M. L. Fuller, Colburn C. Wood.

It was then voted to proceed with the election of a presidtJnt,
first and second vice president, secretary, with power of cl-^rk,
and treasurer. The following were elected:
President — George R. Briggs
First Vice President— John C. Makepeace
Second Vice President — Myron L. Fuller
Secretary — Lemuel C. Hall
Treasurer^ — Irving C. Hammond
Lemuel C. Hall was duly sworn to a faithful performance of
his duties by Franklin E. Smith, a justice of the peace, and im-
mediately assumed his duties as secretary.

On motion of Dr. Franklin F. Marsh, duly seconded, it was
voted that the directors be instructed to have the minutes and ad-
dresses of the meeting published in pamplilet form in conjunction
with the report of the experiment station, and that a copy be
mailed to each member.

Dr. H. J. Franklin made a partial report for the committee
on the establishment of weathsr bureau stations.

The chair appointed the following committee to report on crop
statistics: M. L. Fuller, Lawrence Rogers, Franklin E. Smith,
and they reported as follows: Crop of 1910, 116,372 barrels;
estimated crop of 1911, 129,515; gain, 13,143 barrels; per cent
of gain, 11 per cent; the reports were made by 137 growers.

Applications for membership were then considered and all ap-
plicants were unanimously elected and it was voted that they be
considered charter members.

The report of the treasurer was read and accepted.

Prof. W. P. Brooks of Amherst gave an interesting address,
as did also Prof. C. L. Shear of Washington, D. C, Prof Bur-
ton N. Gates and Prof. T. W. Morse of Amherst,

On motion duly seconded it was voted to adjourn.

Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Lemuel C. Hall, Secretary.

After the adjournment the members proceeded to the Ken-
drick House where a fine dinner was partaken of, and then they
proceeded to East Wareham, where they viewed the State Bog and
the various features of the work were explained by Prof. Franklin.
The members were particularly interested in the experiments in
the fertilization of the blossoms by bees and in the system of
oveiVead irrigation. The day was one full of interest and instruc-
tion for those who attended.

The attendance at the meeting was larger than usual. The
number of new members admitted exceeded those of other years
and marked interest was shown throughout the session, especially
in the papers read and the discussions of the same. Prof. Gates
was closely questioned in regard to the various phases of over
keeping, and altogether this meeting was of great interest and
benefit to the growers present.

PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTS

Paper Read h^ Prof. W. P. Brooks, Director of
Experiment Station

Your President has announced that I would speak to you on
the experiments of the past year. It is not my purpose to go in-
to details to any considerable extent. It falls to my lot as Di-
rector of the Station — it is my privilege — rather to organize the
work, to make the necessary financial arrangements, and to en-
jeavor to procure good men to carry out the experiments, than to
look after details. It is my purpose, therefore, to allow the
men directly responsible for the work to speak in detail rather
than to undertake to do so myself.

You will be interested, however, to know what have been the
principal developments of the past year. You will remember that
one year ago we had just acquired a cranberry bog to be used in
connection with our Experiment Station work; but that, the bog
having been purchased somewhat late in the season, we had not
actually undertaken much experimental work upon it. You will
be glad to know that as a result of the year's observations and use
we are convinced that the property acquired is exceedingly well
suited for our purposes.

1. It is very even in character throughout and this is of the
very greatest importance as a basis for experiment. Unless we
can know that different subdivisions or plots v^ould, under uniform
treatment have given uniform results we should be, as you will
readily understand, in great uncertainty as to the real effect of any
variation in treatment which we should introduce. With a bog un-
even in quality in different sections we should be in great danger
of forming false conclusions as to the effect of any special treat-
ment. From this point of view our bog seems to be particularly
satisfactory. It is planted, with the exception of a very small
area, with the two leading varieties of cranberries: :Carly Blacks
and Howes.

2. The bog appears to be one which is naturally highly pro-
ductive. This must be regarded as exceedingly fortunate, for the
sale of the crop will afford a considerable net profit over the cost
of producing it; and this net profit, will, it is anticipated, consti-
tute an important addition to the funds available for covering the
cost of the experimental work. In other words, the bog being a
profitable one, we shall be able to do more experimental work
than could be undertaken under other conditions.

3. The water supply appears to be, practically speaking, in-
exhaustible. The total area of the ponds from which water is

pumped is in the neighborhood of one hundred acres. The pond
is under state jurisdiction and only one private individual has a
right to take water from it, and this only in quantity sufficient for
about thirteen acres of bog. Our abundant supply of water will
make it possible for us to demonstrate to just what extent water
can be used for the purpose of destroying or preventing damage
from injurious insects.

During the past year we have purchased about one acre of ad-
ditional upland which was desirable, and indeed really necessary to
enable us to properly locate the building which is to be used in
connection with our experimental work, and to give us convenient
access to that building.

We have planned during the past year, and the work of put-
ting it up is now practically completed, a building to provide stor-
age, rooms for packing, living room for the man in local charge,
and laboratory accommodations. This building is substantiaUy
constructed in concrete and galvanized iron and will, we think,
prove very satisfactory.

Arrangements have been made for co-operative work with
two of the Bureaus of the United States Department of Agricul-
ture.

1. With the Bureau of Plant Industry for co-operative work
in the study of diseases affecting cranberries. A written under-
standing or agreement has been made with Dr. Galloway, the
chief of the Bureau. This understanding indicates a basis on
which the work will be done and provides for publication of results
and distribution of such publications.

iTi-e. ^Shear, already so well known to you because of his work
in the invo^jgation of cranberry diseases, will have direct charge
of this woi. and is present to address you.

2. An understanding has been reached with Prof. Moore,
chief of the Weather Bureau, for co-operative work in a study
of meteorological conditions in their relations to the cranberry
crop. Prof. Cc>x has been given general oversight of this work,
and Mr. Smith, the head of the weather service in Boston, is
in local charge of details.

It is the purpose in this work not only to study weather con-
ditions with a view to giving, if possible, warnings of impending
frosts, but also of the general relations of weather to the crop.
As a means of making it possible to get observations throwing
light upon the movements of frost waves, observing stations have
been equipped and observations are now being taken in Carver,
at Marstons Mills, at one of the bogs of the United Cranberry
company (I believe in South Hanson) and at our own Sub-station.
These places luive been si-l.-c* with a view of being, able to

trace the movement of atmospheric conditions across the cranberry
district, as atmospheric waves generally move, as you understand,
from west or northwest, easterly or southeasterly.

It was hoped to arrange for a large number of voluntary ob-
servers who would record maximum and minimum temperatures
and perhaps also rainfall. A comparatively small number only of
such observers has been obtained; a fact which is perhaps not
strange since in so many instances the local care of the boer is in
the hands of individuals not perhaps qualified to make accurate and
reliable observations.

At the Sub-station here in Wareham Dr. Franklin has devoted
a large share of his attention as heretofore to a study of insects
and he has in progress numerous experiments which it is expected
will throw light upon the best means which can be taken to prevent
injury. One of the most interesting of his experiments is one
bearing upon the relations of the honey bee to the fertilization of
the cranberry blossom, or the set of the fruit. This work seems
to have been demonstrated in a very striking manner that the
honey bee plays a most important part and as it so happens that
I have become somewhat familiar with the handling of honey
bees, I will perhaps return to that subject after concluding my
general remarks in the hope of answering some of the questions
which have been asked me by individuals since I have been here
today and throwing light upon a few of the problems which I know
confront you.

We have laid out a series of plots for experiments in V"^ use
of fertilizers in our bog. The experiments here will be of the
same general character as those which have been in pi ogress in
Waquoit. It will be remembered that it is not our idea to try
this, that or the other brand of fertilizers, or to compare one
brand with another. Such comparisons would prov^ of but little
permanent value. In our fertilizer work we aim to follow such
a plan as will enable us to determine the specific effect of the dif-
ferent fertilizer elements. We need to know the influence, for
example, of nitrogen on the giuwtL -^f tiie vine, on its tende-
LO fruitfulness, and on the quality of the fruit. We need si'.' |,
knowledge concerning materials which furnish phosphoric acid a
potash, and possibly also lime. If we can learn the specific effects
of the different fertilizer elements we shall then be in a position to
advise wisely in relation to the selection of fertilizers under vary-
ing conditions. The new fertilizer plots have been so laid out
that they can be conveniently examined from a plank walk which
has been laid over one of the irrigating ditches. Each plot is
marked with a label which shows distinctly what has been applied
to it, our endeavor having been to make it convenient for visitors

to examine the plots and to determine for themselves the effects of
the varying fertilizer treatments.

1 would here call attention to the fact that the results ob-
tained in the fertilizer plots at Waquoit last year were not en-
tirely satisfactory. There was some frost damage and a varying
amount of insect damage on different plots, and it does not, there-
fore seem to be worth while to go into any further detail in rela-
tion to the results obtained in the fertilizer experiments so far
conducted. You may, however, be interested to know that for the
express purpose of studying the effects of fertilizers in the cran-
berry industry we have put in thirty cranberry bogs in Amherst.
You need not fear that the market will be glutted. These bogs
are circular and each is only two feet in diameter. Moreover, we
shall sell, of course, through the Sales company, in which we
thoroughly believe.

Note— Prof. Brooks then showed a sketch to illustrate the con-
struction of these bogs which had been so designed as to make it
possible to follow the chemical elements applied to them. He
stated that the idea had been to put Nature as she works in a
cranberry bog into harness with a view to making her disclose the
secrets of her workshop, and he showed how impossible it is to do
this through use of plots in the open bog which must be flooded
every winter; which means, of course, that soluble chemicals are
dissolved and diffused with the water over the entire area, thus
confusing results. He stated that in the construction of these
bogs genuine cedar swamp muck or peat from the cranberry district
had been usoj and that the appearance of the vines which are now
in their second summer was eminently satisfactory. He showed
what arrangements had been made for flooding these bogs in win-
ter and stated th^t in order to prevent the formation of ice on the
vines the entire arba occupied by these bogs is roofed in for pro-
tection against excessive cold, the roof of course being removed in
he advent of spring weather when the winter flowage is withdrawn.
p^, A number of plots h^ve ^een laid out in ou;: Wareham bog,
,,,, surrounded b" dykes and ditches so that it can be separately
,wea. Thes«^ plots will be used in experiments with water for
the purpose of determining its relations to insects and the general
development of the crop.

A modern overhead sprinkling plant has been installed through
the generous co-operation and courtesy of the company manufac-
turing the fixtures. This may bo seen in operation. It will be
tested as to its possible utility in affording frost protection or for
other purposes.

To return now to the subject, ' 'Bees in Their Relations to the

Cranberry Crop". I may say first that I have been asked the fol-
lowing questions :

1. What kind of bees should be selected? Bee-keepers are
in general agreed that leather colored Italians appear to combine
more valuable characteristics than any other kind, although of
course each of the different kinds has its advocates. I believe
that under the conditions in which bees will be kept in cranberry
growing it will be quite desirable to select a kind not excessively
given to swarming, for I feel afraid that many swarms might es-
cape since the situation is not sure to be such that the bees can
be kept under close watch during that part of the year when they
are likely to swarm. From this point of view the common black or
German bee is perhaps even better than the Italian, but there are
strains of Italians which do not swarm unduly, and because of
their n-.any other good points (among the most important of which
is ease of handling) I believe that the Italian bee will usually be
found most satisfactory. The Carniolan and Caucasian bees from
the standpoint of excessive swarming would, although very gentle
and easily handled, probably be undesirable. There are, it is true,
methods by which the escape of swarms or excessive swarming
can be prevented, and among these clipping the queen and destroy-
ing superfluous queen cells about five days after a swarm issues
are among the most generally useful, but to practice these methods
requires special knowledge and care.

2. I have been asked how many colonies of bees will be de-
sirable for a thirty acre bog. Our experiments have not proceeded
far enough to make it possible for me to answer this question
with any assurance that I am correct. There can be no doubt,
however, I may say, that, from the stand-point of a perfect set of
fruit, the greater the number of bees the better. It is not pos-
sible for bees, however numerous, to exercise an unfavorable m-
fluence and it is safer to err on the side of having too many rather
than too few. Moreover, whereas a very moderate number of
colonies might do the work effectively in some seasons, in other
seasons characterized by considerable rainy or cold or windy
weather during the cranberry bloom, a much larger number of
colonies will be required since the number of days during which
bees can work will be relatively small, On the other hand, it is
of course possible that the number of colonies in a given district
be made so large that there will not be nectar enough to supply
all and starvation or at least great hardship on account of shortage
of nectar will follow. This, it is true, might be prevented by
feeding a syrup made by dissolving granulated sugar in about an
equal weight of water during periods of nectar shortage or to
carry a colony of bees over hard times. In feeding for this pur-

pose the Alexander feeder, which is slipped beneath the rear end
of the hive and to which access for the purpose of replenishing the
stock of syrup is easy, is one of the best.

3. It has been suggpsted by one cranberry grower with whom
I have talked since I came to the meeting that it may be possible
for cranberry growers to hire bees from bee keepers who might be
willing to furnish them when needed by the cranberry grower.
Since cranberry growers are in many cases without knowledge of
bees and since they are likely to be very closely occupied in looking
after the other branches of the business, this scheme may some-
times seem desirable ; and the cranberry growers who have an
automobile might easily co-operate with the bee keeper by moving
the bees into the vicinity of the bogs when needed, the automobile
for this purpose being much superior to a horse-drawn vehicle on
account of the danger that the bees may sting the horses.

In connection with this question of moving bees when they
are needed in the cranberry bogs I would point out that it is not
necesssary to place the bees in the bog, nor indeed on the very
margin of the bog. Bees fly considerable distances and sometimes
appear to overlook flowers which are in closest proximity to their
hives. A location which is at least moderately shaded a few hun-
dred yards or a few rods from the edge of the bog is likely to be
better than a location in a bog or on its immediate margin.

In case the cranberry grower keeps his own bees the question
of how they shall be successfuly wintered will be an important one.
Bees can be successfully kept either in dry, dark cellars having an
average temperature of about 40 to 45 degrees or in the open air
if the hives are given special covering for winter protection.
Whichever of these plans may be adopted, it is a matter of first
importance to see to it that the bees have sufficient stores and the
best way to determine this point is to weigh the colonies about
the first of October. A colony which does not weigh at least 40
pounds, hive, comb and bees included, should be fed. For winter
feed nothing is better than a strong syrup made by dissolving
granulated sugar. The proportion of about four parts of sugar to
three of water is satisfactory, provided the feeding is done rela-
tively early so that the bees may store the syrup in their combs
and have time before the weather is duly cold to cap it over. Al-
most exactly this proportion is obtained when the solution (after
it is made by gradual addition of water and stirring with applica-
tion of heat sufficient to bring nearly to the boiling point) stands
at the same height in the boiler as that at which the dry sugar
used in making it, stood. In feeding for winter a shallow pan
placed in an empty super on top of the frames may be conveniently
used, but a handful of cut lye straw or other clean straw should

be placed on top of the syrup in order that the bees may not be
drowned. Syrup for winter stores should be rapidly given and it
will usually be best to give sufficient so that the weight of the
colony will be about 45 pounds, for bees which go into the winter
with abundant stores will build up much more quickly in the
spring than those having a scanty or even moderate supply.

THE CRANBERRY DISEASE SITUATION
IN MASSACHUSETTS

C L. SHEAR, Ph. D.

T^lant Pathologist, U. S. Department of Jlgr {culture,

Washington, T>. C.

The United States Department of Agriculture, in co-operation
with the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station, has un-
dertaken an investigation of cranberry diseases in this state.

This investigation consists of two phases — one covering labor-
atory investigations of the parasites causing the diseases; and the
other consisting of spraying and other operations carried on for
the purpose of preventing or controlling the diseases.

Field work looking toward the control of the diseases has been
commenced this season in three places. It is at present too early
to determine the results of this work. In fact, under most favor-
able conditions of experiment it will require two or three seasons
to obtain results from which we can hope to draw definite conclusions.

We find that the conditions and diseases prevailing in New
Jersey, where we have conducted most of our investigations here-
tofore, are quite different from those in Massachusetts, and this
makes necessary rather thorough study and careful experimentation
here before specific recommendations for the control of the troubles
can be safely made. In New Jersey one or more rather serious
diseases prevail which have not yet been found in Massachusetts ; on
the other hand, one or more diseases occur here which have not
been found in New Jersey. Again, the diseases which are com-
mon to both states are in some cases more widely distributed and
serious in one state than in the other. These different pathological
conditions are primarily due to the differences in climatic condi-
tions, though there are probably other factors also involved. Cer-
tain factors, such as maximum and minimum temperatures and
average temperatures during* the growing season, are of great im-
portance in determining the development and I'oproduction of thi-
ll

parasitic fungi as well as of cultivated plants. The longer grow-
ing season in New Jersey with the higher average temperature,
is probably the main reason why diseases, such as "scald", are
more prevalent and injurious there than in Massachusetts; on the
other hand, the anthracnose and hypertrophy are more frequent in
Massachusetts. The hypertrophy, or "false blossom,", as it has
been called by some growers, has in fact never been found in New
Jersey; whether because the fungus is rare and has escaped notice,
or because climatic conditions are not favorable to its develop-
ment, is not definitely known. In view of the fact that so many
cranberry plants from Massachusetts have been planted in New
Jersey, it seems quite probable that the fungus must have found
its way there.

Before speaking of special methods of preventing and con-
trolling fungus diseases, it may be desirable to consider some of
the general principles involved in the health and disease of plants
and especially the cranberry.

One of the chief functions of a physician today is tv discover
and devise means of preventing disease by improving sanitary con-
ditions and removing the causes. This is also an important feature
of the work of the plant pathologist.

In preventing and combating diseases and producing healthy
and profitable crops, there is one fundamental requirement which
should always be kept in mind by the cranberry grower, or culti-
vator of plants; namely, to keep your plants as nearly as possible
ut.der optimum conditions of growth, i. e., the most normal and
most sanitary conditions. A strong and vigorous cranberry plant,
other things being equal, will be much less likely to be attacked
by disease than a plant which is abnormal or weakened in any way.
This is apparently as true of plants as of mankind. It is generally
recognized that a person with a weak, debilitated constitution is
much more likely to succumb to disease than one in a strong and
vigorous condition.

The natural inquiry then arises as to what the best conditions
are for th ■. development of hardy, vigorous and productive cran-
berry plants. I may say at once that I do not believe there is avail-
able at present sufficient definite and accurate knowledge on this
subject to enable one to make a specific, detailed statement of the
exact requirements for the most perfect development of a particu-
lar bog. There are, however, some general conclusions derived
from the study and experience of practical growers, as well as the
observations and investigations of scientists, which may be safely
taken as a general guide.

In the first place, let us consider ^briefly the principal factors
involved in the problem. We have the plant with its physical,

chemical and biological environment; i. e. , soil, water and air and
the living organisms with which the plant comes in contact. For
every plant thare is an optimum, or most favorable soil condition
which has been determined by vast ages of adaption and selection;
there is also an optinium water relation as well as a climatic re-
lation, each brought about in the same manner.

A general idea of the requirements of the cranberry plant was
first obtained from observing its growth under natural conditions.
The beginning of cranberry culture consisted in ameliorating the
condition of wild plants and assisting them in their struggle for
existence by removing the weeds and shrubs with which they were
competing and regulating the water supply.

Nature's chief concern with the cranberry, as with other
plants, is to insure reproduction. This she was apparently net able
to do in a satisfactory manner by means of fruit and seed alone,
so she resorted to the method of reproduction by means of rooting
vegetative shoots or runners. Nature's aims and those of the
commercial cranberry grower ai'e, however, not the same. Nature
is satisfied with the successful propagation and reproduction of
the plants. Your chief object is to obtain the maximum quantity
of fruit.

Under natural conditions the cranberry grows in swamps and
peat bogs. The essential soil conditiojis are an abundant supply of
peat or muck, that is, an accumulation of vegetable matter in
various stages of decay and decomposition. Such soils are gener-
ally acid and wet. We have here, then, the essential needs of
the cranberry plant— a sufficiently watered, acid, peat soil. These
conditions are quite different from those required by most other
cultivated plants and hence the cranberry problem requires special
study and investigation.

There is another peculiarity of the cranberry plant, which is
possessed apparently by most, if not all, of the members of the
heath family. It has a special mode of obtaining its food supply.
Instead of absorbing it directly from the soil solution through root
hairs, such as we find on corn roots, for example, it appears to
obtain part of its nutriment at least through the aid of a fungus
known as mycorhiza, which lives in ihe surface cells of the roots
and is able to utilize the food material of the peat and transform
it into available form for the cranberry plant, getting its own
subsistence at the same time without any apparent injury to its
host. There are many things to be learned yet in regard to this
strange partnership between the fungus and its host which may
prove of importance to cranberry culture.

We find then by observation and experience that a normal
cranberry plant requires a wet, peaty soil, with ttmperate climatic

conditions, but a plant which best meets nature's requirements
does not prove satisfactory to the commercial fruit grower who
wishes to make fruit production the primary aim of the plant.
Here is where our trouble begins. We must modify conditions
sufficiently to secure the maximum fruiting capacity of the plant
without seriously decreasing its strength, vitality and disease re-
sistance.

Conditions which greatly favor or stimulate vegetative or
vine growth are, in general, unfavorable for maximum fruit pro-
duction and vij'or of the plant. The most common case apparently
of excessive vine growth is a superabundance of nitrogenous food
associated with an abundant or excessive water supply. Under
such conditions we usually find a very heavy growth of vines form-
ing a dense, thick mass. Such vines are not usually very pro-
ductive, and are always, so far as we have observed, more suscep-
tible to disease, either of the vine or the fruit.

The first effort in such cases should be to modify the soil and
water conditions as far as possible in such a manner as to reduce
the vine growth. This can be done in many cases by reducing the
water supply during the period of most rapid vine growth and
pruning out the vines judiciously, but not excessively at one time.
Frequent, rather heavy sanding will also help to accomplish the
same result.

There will always be cases, however, where special local con-
ditions of soil and water will necessitate modifications of this
treatment, or perhaps a totally different procedure. No two bogs
are identical in behavior as a whole, because no two bogs are
identical in soil and water conditions. Each bog is. therefore,
when it comes to specific details of treatment, a special problem.
The general fundamental principles, however, hold good. The food
and water supply must be so regulated as to give a good crop of
fruit, and at the same time produce an optimum amount cf vine
growth, thus keeping the plants in a thrifty, well-balanced condi-
tion in which they are best able to withstand the attacks of fungus
diseases, or to recover from the same with the aid of proper treat-
ment.

The conditions under which cranberries must be grown for
profit are necessarily unsanitary in some respects since large num-
bers of individuals are crowded together in large areas for long
periods, thus favoring the development and spread of contagious
diseases. There is apparently no way of remedying or avoiding
this condition in cranberry culture. In the case of annual or
short-lived perennial crops such conditions can be avoided to a
considerable degree by the rotation of crops, but this is scarcely
practicable in cranberry culture.

Regulation of the water supply of the cranberry plant is one
of the most important factors in determining its health and pro-
ductiveness. In the great majority of cases which we have had
an opportunity to observe and study, not only in Massachusetts,
but a"so in New Jersey and WiscDnsin, disease has been found to
be more or less directly associated with an excessive amount of
water. Just what the optimum amount of water for any parti-
cular bog may be must be determined in each case by observation
and experiment. However, whan you find an ex2e3sive growth
of vines which are inclined to be unproductive and unhealthy,
try drainage. Reduce your water supply, not suddenly and exces-
sively, but gradually. Also avoid making any radical change in
the water supply during the active growing season, especially at
the time when the plants are in bloom or soon after. If a cran-
berry bottom is springy in places it may be very difficult to drain
it satisfactorily, but every possible effort should be made to do so.
There seems to be an inclination on the part of many growers to
use too much water. Of course there are also cases- in which a
deficiency of water is the cause of certain troubles, but these cases
are few as compared with those in which an excessive water sup-
ply is the principal cause.

Having exhausted every means at your command to get a cran-
berry bog in a healthy and vigorous condition of growth, we are
then in a position to use with the greatest hope of success methods
of preventing or controlling the fungus diseases which may ap-
pear. Spraying with Bordeaux mixture has proven the best treat-
ment. Apparatus, methods and mixtures for spraying cranberries
have now reached a fairly satisfactory stage of development. For
most general purposes on areas of considerable extent a power
sprayer is necessary. A 8^-6 horse power gasoline engine has
been found to give the best results. Plenty of power is neces-
sary in order to do good work, especially where long sections of
iron pipe and long leads of hose are used. Don't make the mis-
take of getting an engine of insufficient power. A good pump is
also a very essential feature of a sprayer. It should be adapted
to the use of Bordeaux mixture, and capable of pumping large
quantities of the mixture at a high pressure. A pressure of from
150 to 200 pounds should be maintained in order to give an even,
fine spray and cover the vines most thoroughly with the least waste
of time and material.

As a result of our recent experiments in New Jersey, we find
that bordeaux mixture made according to the 4-3-50 formula, i.
e. , 4 pounds of bluestone and 3 pounds of stone lime, to 50 gal-
lons of water, with the addition of 2 pounds of fish oil soap,
gives the most satisfactory results. We have tried various lime-

sulphur preparations and other fungicides, but none of them are as
efficient as Bordeaux mixture for cranberry diseases. We have also
tried various substitutes for the fish oil soap, but have found noth-
ing which equals it in spreading and adhesive qualities. Where
you have blast or blight of flowers and young fruit due to fungous
disease, where you have dying of vine from the same cause, or
where you have scald or rot of fruit, or fruit which quickly becomes
soft in storage, thorough spraying with Bordeaux mixture should
prove profitable. We regret that it is too early at present to
give the results of this season's spraying experiments. These ex-
periments concern the prevention of anthracnose, a soft rot of the
cranberry which usually develops late in the season or after pick-
ing, and the dying of vines due to fungous disease. As already
stated, it will take several seasons of thorough work to determine
the effectiveness of the methods being tried. In the meantime we
shall be glad to give such advice and assistance as we can to any
of the cranberry growers who have troubles of this kind. We
hope you will all feel free to send us inquiries and specimens of
any disease which may appear on your bogs at any time.

STATE BOG REPORT

By Prof. H. J. Franl^lin in Charge of State
Experimental Bog

A considerable amount of time has been given to construction
work at the State Bog this year and as a visit to the bog is
scheduled for this afternoon for the members of this association
and others who may wish to go, I think it maybe well for" me to
call attention to certain of the more important arrangements which
may now be seen there.

Screen House

The new screen house is, of course, the most conspicuous fea-
ture. While we believe that this building has many desirable
features, we wish to have it understood that it is not to be looked
upon, in any sense, as a model building for screening cranberries.
We have made no attempt to build such a building. We even be-
lieve that such a building is practically impossible, as it is appar-
ent that every screen house must be built according to the needs of
the bog or bogs, the berries from which are to be packed in it.
Then, too, we have had to consider certain things in planning this
structure, which would not ordinarily have to be considered at all

for a screen house, particularly the matter of having living rooms
and room for scientific work as well as room for experimental work
in fruit storage. One unusual feature of this building is its two
screening rooms, one being in the basement for handling the late
berries and the other on the first floor for taking care of the early
fruit. This arrangement allows for handling the crop without
moving any portion of it either up or down stairs, our plan being
to move screens and screeners instead, the late berries being in
basement storage from the time t'.iey are taken into the house.
Whether this arrangement is particularly desirable is yet to be
proved and the test hinges on the amount of damage which may be
done to the keeping quality of the fruit by the common method of
letting the berries pass from an upper room through the separator
and down chutes to the screening room below. A platform has
been placed on the crown of the building for the accommodation
of a weather vane and certain other weather instruments.

Areas for Flooding

On the side of the bog, toward the pumping plant, we have
dyked off five separate areas which we propose to use for flooding
experiments, particularly during the next two or three years, for
such experiments as may lead to the control of the fruit worm by
the proper use of water. This construction is not quite C3mpleted
as it remains to put flumes in the canals leading to these various
sections.

Fertilizer Plots

Twenty-three areas have been staked out for fertilizer plots and
all but two of these areas are now in use, either having been
treated with different fertilizer combinations or having been re-
served as checks on the plots so treated. These plots may be ex-
amined at close range by walking down the plank walk which has
been placed over the ditch which runs down between the plots.
I must here warn you, however, not to crowd onto these planks,
as the supports under them will not allow for more than one or
two persons on a plank at once. Signs have been placed at the
heads of the plots giving the amount of fertilizer of different kinds
used on each plot.

Fungus Plots

Five areas, each four rods square, have been staked off and
used as fungus plots, one of these plots having been sprayed
three times and the others twice this season. Only that plot
which was sprayed three times seems as yet to show any marked
effect from the spraying. Dr. Shear will doubtless describe this
more in detail.

Fi'uitworm Plots

Several areas contaiiiing one square rod each were sprayed
as fruitworm experiments, but unfortunately this spraying was for
the most part done too late and does not show noticeable results
except those two plots on Howe vines, and on these two plots the
results are not as striking to the eye as could be wished.

Weather Instruments

The United States Weather Bureau has provided the station
with a good set of weather instruments and, while some of these
have not yet been installed, some of the more important of them
may be seen in the instrument shelter erected not far from the
screen house. While we feel that we have made a good start in
the weather work, we wish here to state that we are of the opinion
that a much more vigorous taking hold of this work, both on the
part of the Weather Bureau and on the part of the cranberry
growers is essential to satisfactory success. We believe that the
Weather Bureau should have observation taken at three or four
o'clock in the afternoon as well as at 8 a. m , and a special fore-
cast made at Washington from these afternoon observations.
Evidently one of the chief reasons for the mistakes made by the
Weather Bureau officials in forecasting frosts, is that they are un-
able with any great degree of accuracy to foretell how rapidly the
waves of barometric pressure are going to travel across the con-
tinent from West to East during a period twenty hours long after
the taking of the set of observations upon which the forecast is
made. If special observations on barometric pressui'e alone were
taken, as a basis for a special forecast late in the afternoon before
the night for which the forecast is made, we believe a far more
accurate forecast could be made. We think it quite possible that
the relative coldness of the various bogs on frosty nights will have
to be determined in order to make this weather service as exact and
satisfactory as it should be. For the determination of this relative
coldness, it seems absolutely essential that the growers should
themselves co-operate as voluntiry observers and keep records
with standard maximum and minimum thermometers.

More than all this, we feel that a more satisfactory arrange-
ment than is at present made use of should be adopted for the dis-
tribution of frost warnings.

Skinner System,

The Skinner system of irrigation which has been installed on
a small portion of the bog, will, perhaps, attract the most attention
and hold the most interest for the growers this afternoon. This
system consists of an arrangement in which water is conveyed by

means of galvanized iron piping out onto the bog and is sprinkled
therefrom over the vines through special nozzles. The lines of pip-
ing from which the water is sprinkled are parallel and are placed
sixty feet apart, the nozzles being placed four feet apart in each
line of piping. A new and special device has been prepared by
the Jager Co., by means of which these pipes may be constantly
rotated back and forth through an arc of 180 degrees while the
system is in operation, the water being thus thrown out to a dis-
tance of 30 feet on each side of each line of piping and at the same
time being made to wet all the area of vines beneath and toward
the lines of piping with only one line of nozzles in each line of
piping. It is possible to warm the water as it is sent out into
these pipes by sending it through a boiler. We propose to carry
out an extending series of tests for this system as applied to the
needs of a cranberry bog with a view to determining its value for
frost protection, irrigation, winte"" flowage and spraying for insects
and fungi. While we are hoping that this system may prove to
be of no little value to the cranberry industry in niany ways and
while we can see its possible application to various needs of the
business not spoken of and which we need not take the time to
mention here, I must still call your attention to the fact that this
system has not yet been thoroughly tested out on a cranberry bog
for any of the purposes for which it may posssibly be used and cau-
tion you not to jump to the conclusion that it is a practical ar-
rang.^ment for cranberry needs simply because it looks promising.
The fact that it has already been successfully made use of by market
gardeners both for irrigation and also to some extent for frost
and winter protection argues strongly in favor of its practicabilty
for similar uses in the growing of cranberries. We believe it will
be well worth your while to see this installation at the slate bog
and so come to know exactly what this system is and become familiar
with the construction that goes with it, but we also feel that you
should follow carefully the tests that we plan to carry out with
it during the next two or three years.

At the state bog, we have installed two lines of piping for
this system, the manner of the installation for the two lines
being quite strikingly different. We believe that that line which
is hung suspended largely by wires and rings shows what will
prove to be by far the more satisfactory construction. This con-
struction is cheaper than the other, both in cost of material and of
installation. It cuts up the bog less than the other and can be
more easily handled to give satisfactory pipe drainage. Wj pre-
sume, however, that some further modification will in time be
worked out and the most satisfactory distance for spacing the con-
crete posts between which the supporting wire is stretched must

yet be worked out by experiment. It is probable that the distance
in our installation is too little rather than too great.
Experimental Work
Our experimental work has this season come under five
different heads, viz: Insects, Fungus Diseases, Fertilizers,
Weather Observations and Fertilization of the Cranberry Blossom.
I will discuss our work along these various lines in order.

CRANBERRY INSECTS

We have continued work this season on the fruitworm and
blackheaded cranberry worm (or fireworm) only. What few ob-
servations we have made on the cranberry girdler and the yellow-
headed cranberry worm only confirm previous conclusions. Spray-
ing for the latter according to recommendations heretofore given
has been practically universally successful. Heavy fall and spring
sanding for the girdler where reflowing could not be done after
picking has in some cases proven successful, while in others it has
failed to give satisfaction the failure in every case observed being
due to the fact that the sand was not applied evenly over the
infested bog.

Blackheaded Cranberry Worm
Last fall we carried out several spraying experiments with contact
insecticides in an attempt to destroy the eggs of the fireworm or
blackheaded cranberry worm. All these attempts failed, however,
to give satisfactory results. We have continued observations at
various times during the year, on a considertble number of bogs
infested by this insect in hope of becoming more familiar with
the conditions which favor fireworm infestation and we are now
pretty thoroughly convinced that in addition to the factors favor-
ing this insect, which I have discussed at previous meetings of this
association, there is still another important factor not heretofore
generally recognized. This factor is deep, dense vine growth.
This sort of vine growth is apparently in many cases to a consider-
able extent both a cause and a natural result of the work of this
insect. The thick vines seem to shade the eggs which are laid on
the lower leaves that they do not hatch for a considerable length
of time after those which are placed on the vines more exposed to
the light and heat of the sun. The result is that the hatching
period, on bogs which have heavy vines, is often so much pro-
longed that there seems to be no period during the year when eggs
of either the first or the second brood are not present in consider-
able numbers. Then repeated prevention of cropping by the
fireworm's injury gives the vines a tendency to wood growth in-
stead of keeping up cropping.

If a bog is winter flowed and not reflowed at ;ill in the spring

and not sprayed with arsenical poisons, it is as likely to become
infested with this insect with thin vines as with thick ones. If,
on the other hand, the bog is regularly reflowed only once after
about the twenty-fifth of May, it is apparently much more likely
to become infested with the fireworm if it has thick vines. It is
evidently a very difficult matter to free a heavily vined bog from
this insect or even to keep it from doing very serious injury
year after year, either with water or with poison. On the other
hand, as far as my observation goes, this insect can easily be con-
trolled and kept from doing any considerable injury on a thinly
vined bog either by spraying with arsenate of lead or by reflowing
once.

This insect only rarely gets into a bog to any extent, when it
is reflowed with quick re flowage (i. e., quickly put on) two or three
times regularly after the 25th of May, and if it does get in it
never stays long, whatever the condition of the vines.

For those bogs which are infested with this insect and are
heavily vined and can be refiowed only once, or at best twice,
with a slow (i. e. taking several days to put on and take off the
water) refiowage, I believe that thinning out the vines by pruning
and heavy sanding will be found to be an essential treatment to ac-
company anything like satisfactorily successful treatment, either
by flooding or spraying. I know that s-omeone will say that there
are bogs which are so determined to produce vines that it is impos-
sible to thin them out and keep them thin very long. I can only
reply that I believe that such bogs can, in most cases, at least,
be satisfactorily thinned and kept thin if the water conditions are
properly adjusted. This necessary adjustment might be along
either or both of the two following distinct lines:

1. Early withdrawal of winter fiowage with no long, con-
tinued refiowage.

2. Sufficient drainage.

I wish further to make the statement that, if a bog by any
means (even by burning or long continued summer flowage) what-
ever, is entirely freed of this insect, it will not, as a rule, long
remain so if all the following conditions are allowed to exist:

1. Winter fiowage, especially if it is deep, over a consider-
able portion of the bog.

2. Only one refiowage after the 25th of May.

3. Conditions favoring heavy vine growth.

It will be noticed, in this connection, that, for such a bog, I
consider the use of nitrogenous fertilizers dangerous, as such
fertilizers promote vine growth. It will also be noted that, in my
opinion, late holding of the winter fiowage (unless it be held so
late as to injure the bog for two or three years) instead of tending
•to get rid of or redace this insect as has bean commonly thought,

really in the long run favors it, because this late holding favors
vine growth instead of cropping. Moreover, spring frosts ui^der
these circumstances probably do a double injury^first, directly, by
partly or entirely knocking out the crop of the season, and second,
indirectly, by favoring the vine growth and consequently favor-
ing the insect by thus reducing the cropping.

These conditions affecting fireworm infestation and treatment
are likely to be more strikingly true on bogs of large area than
on small bogs because in propoitim to their area fewer parasites
will be likely to be distributed over the large bogs from the up-
land, during the growing and cropping season, and so become to
any considerable extent an influencing factor.

FRUIT WORM

Our spraying experiments for this insect were begun too late
this season to be as effective as they should be. It only served to
demonstrate one thing which we have not heretofore reported,
viz. : That in our former recommendations we have advised the
use of too much resin fish oil soap. Last season, we recommended
about four pounds of this soap to 50 gallons of water used in con-
junction with the Bordeaux Mixture and Paris Green. We find, on
more extended experience, that that amount of the soap is pretty
certain to cause more or less serious trouble by clogging up the
valves of the spray pump. For future spraying for this insect, it
will be necessary to reduce the amount of soap to two pounds for
fifty gallons of water, the whole formula then to be dbout as fol-
lows :

Stone Lime, 5 lbs. ; Copper Sulfate, 2^ lbs. ; Resin Fish Oil
Soap, 2 lbs. ; Paris Green, 1 lb. ; Water, 50 gallons.

This season we have begun work on the parasites of the fruit-
worm. We have undertaken for the present: 1. To find what par-
asites the insect has. 2. To determine their relative abundance
on flowed and dry bogs. As already stated, plans have been per-
fected for flooding experiments for the control of this insect.

NEW CRANBERRY PESTS

We have this season found two new insect pests doing con-
siderable injury in some places on cranberry bogs. One of these
is a scale insect, somewhat similar in appearance to the San Jose
scale. This species has done considerable injury on a bog in Yar-
mouth this season and has been noted in smaller numbers in a very
few other localities. The other insect is a species of white grub,
the larva of a June beetle. It has caused the dying of circular
patches on several bogs this season, principally in Carver, these
patches varying in diameter from three to thirty feet. This in-

jury examined superficially might easily be mistaken for the ring-
worm injury caused by fungus dis?ase.

CRANBERRY BLOSSOM

During the present season we have carried out quite extensive
observations and experiments on the fertilization of the blossom of
the cranberry. We have made a special point of learning what the
agents of the ci'oss pollenatio" are and we have tried to determine
in particular the value of the hive bse in this work. In oiir experi-
ments, we erectecT three tents of mosquito netting on the bog.
These tents were arranged as follows :

No. 1 — Covering half a square rod. Bees of all kinds com-
pletely shut out, the bottom of the tent being made tight with
sand.

No. 2— Same as No 1, but left open to some extent at the
bottom so as to allow bees of all kinds access to the blossoms un-
derneath. The purpose of this tent was to discover what effect,
if any, the shade of the netting would have on the setting of the
berries. In this respect it thus served as a check on tent No. 1.

No. 3 — Like No. 1, but much larger, covering over a square
rod of ground and being about 12 feet high. This tent was made
bee tight at the bottom with sand and no bees were allowed to get
inside except those from a hive of bees placed closely against it
with an opening between the inside of the tent and the mouth of
the hive. These tents were all placed over the vines when the
latter were in just about the same condition as regards blossoming
all the buds being large and a small percentage of the blossoms
having already opened. Numbers 1 and 2 were an early black
vine and Number 3 on Howe vines. The berries have not yet
been picked from the vines under these three tents, but the evi-
dences provided by these tents of the value of bees in the pollena-
tion of the cranberry blossom are striking. Tent No. 1 has not
over two quarts of berries. No. 2 has about the same quantity
of fruit as has the surrounding bog. No. 3 also has about the
same amount of fruit as the surrounding bog. The general bog
area around all these three tents is bearing from 40 to 60 barrels
to the acre. Thus tent No. 1, with its check No. 2, shows that
bees are necessary to the poUenation of the cranberry blossom.
Taken in conjunction with this, tent No. 3 shows that the hive
bees are capable of doing efficient work in this pollenation.

As the vines approached full bloom under tent No. 1, the
blossoms quite generally began to take on a peculiar vivid pink
color and as the blossoming advanced, this became more and more
striking. Only a very small percentage of the blossoms on the
general bog surface outside of this tent took on this color while
under the tent there were very few blossoms which did not show

it strikingly. The blossoms under tent No. 2 did not differ
noticeably in color from those on the surrounding bog. The Howe
vines came to full bloom in the midst of the streak of very hot
weather in July. They had a noticeably larger percentage of
vividly pink blossoms on the general bog surface than did the Early
Blacks which blossomed earlier. Tent No. 3 (placed as already
noted, on Howe vines and with bees admitted from a hive in large
numbers) had a noticeably smaller proportion of these pink blooms
than did the surrounding bog. These facts led ^is to believe that
the vividly pink color of the bloom was a pretty certain sign of
failure of blossom fertilization. This pink coloring of the blossom
certainly always accompanies lack of fertilization with the Early
Black variety, for it was just as much in evidence in an experi-
ment carried out in the season of 1910, in which bees were com-
pletely shut out by a mosquito netting tent, as it was in the case
of the No. 1 tent of this season described above. To make this
matter more certain we tied yarn to the stems of a large number
of Howe blossoms showing this pink coloring to mark them for
examination later in the season when it would be possible to deter-
mine how many, if any of them, had developed berries. We have
recently examined these marked blossoms and we find that hardly
two in eleven succeeded in producing berries. This is less than
half of the proportion of berries to blossoms found on the bog as a
whole. In other words, a very much smaller proportion of pink
blossoms produce! berries, than of normally colored blossoms.
This confirms to a considerable degree the conclusions arrived at
from our tent experiments. The fact, however, that some of these
blossoms did produce fruit is an indication that there are other
causes which may produce this pink coloring of the blossom,
though it is our belief that failure of fertilization is the chief
cause. There is, of course, the possibility that fertilization may
take place to some extent, though abnormally retarded, after the
blossom has taken on the abnormal pink color.

Varietal Fruiting Failure
We have observed that on all bogs every year the number of
blossoms which fail to produce fruit is, as a rule, greater than the
number which succeed in doing so. There is no conspicuous reason
for this apparent at first glance. The blossoms for the most part
appear equally healthy and they open normally. At first we sup-
posed that this whole matter might be explained on the ground of
fertilization failure. While this factor does undoubtedly have
some bearing on the matter, it is now evident to us, after our
summer's experiments and observations, that the bulk of this
fruiting failure cannot be explained in this way. We have examined
a considerable number of varieties on a large number of bogs this

suinmer and we find that there is a tremendous variation between
the different varieties in the average number of berries borne to
the individual upright and, more than this, this variation seems to
be fairly constant, for the different varieties wherevr found, even
when the different varieties are found on the same bog and under
exactly the same conditions. Then, too, there is a marked varia-
tion, which also appears more or less constant, for the variety in
the proportion of sterile uprights present. Some variations ap-
pear to average less than two berries to the upright wherever
found, while others have been found to average better than three
berries to the upright wherever observed. This condition of things
obviously is not due to relative lack or abundance of agents capa-
ble of cross pollenizing the blossoms, but is evidently the result
of a varying quality of natural prolificness in the vines of the
different varieties. The fact that tent No. 3, described above in
our discussion of bee experiments, has but little, if any, heavier
cropping than the surrounding bog, though bees were present under
the tent insufficient in cross fertilization to almost entirely prevent
any blossom.s from taking on a pink color, while the numcer of
blossoms showing this color on the surrounding bog was very large,
is corroborating evidence that this view is correct.

Our season's experience confirms our conclusions expressed
last year, viz. : — That it will often pay to keep hive bees near
cranberry bogs during the blossoming season. There are, un-
doubtedly, years in which this practice will not repay anything for
the extra work involved. We believe that the season just past
was one of these, for wild bei'S, particularly bumble-bees, were
present everywhere in abundance and we had good weather for bees
to work throughout almost the entire blossoming period. We be-
lieve, however, that in any season in which wild bees are, for any
reason, scarce, or in which there is a great deal of bad v/eather
during the blossoming period it will pay well to keep bees. We
believe, however, that a few hives will do as well as a large num-
ber even for a bog of considerable area and that no increase in the
cropping in direct proportion to the number of hives kept should be
expected. We believe that on the average, with most varieties, an
upright having in all five blossoms will produce as many berries
if only two of those blossoms are satisfactorily cross fertilized as
it would if they were all so fertilized.

Work with Varieties
Thinking that it may be impossible to produce, by continued
alternate selection and planting, a much more prolific variety of
cranberry than is at present known, we have this season selected
and marked a large number of uprights of three different varieties
with the purpose in mind of planting them out in separate plots

next spring. We have in this work marked only those uprights
which produced this season four or five good berries, the aim being
to produce a variety which shall, as a rule, produce four, five or
even six berries to the upright instead of two or three. It will be
observed that this work is directly in line with similar work al-
ready carried out successfully with corn, potatoes and other crops.
With a variety of cranberries producing four or five berries on
nearly every upright it would ba possible to obtain a good crop
with a very thin growth of vines, and a dense growth of uprights
ought to give a very heavy cropping indeed. We think that this
work of variety development may have a direct bearing on the
fertilizer problem, for it seems quite possible that, with our pres-
ent varietes, the available plant food supply present i);ay never
be so seriously reduced, on bogs with good peat bottoms, as to
greatly affect the cropping, except on old bogs, which have been
cropper! heavily for yea^s, which evidently do often become thus
reduced in their plant food supply.

General Observations
Besides the experiments and obs rvations recorded above, we
have made several interesting though disconnected observations
during the season which we wish to discuss here.

1. An Indirect Water Injury. We noticed ihis season that,
as a rule, those bogs which had no winter flowage and only a small
amount of water in the ditches during the first part of the season
endured the hot, dry weather of July much better than those
which were winter flowed and had the water held well up in the
ditches up to the first of June, but got so dried out as to have no
water in the ditches during July. This condition of things can,
apparently, only be explained on the ground that on the bogs which
were thus winter dry, the cranberry roots were compelled to
grow more deeply to get their water supply than they were on the
winter flowed ones and so were in a better position to withstand
the drought when it came.

It would thus seem advisable to keep the water in the
ditches low during the entire spring, except during necessarj^ re-
flowages, and not raise until about the middle of June, or until
the beginning of the blossoming period.

2. Impossible to Determine Sets. As far as we have been
able to discover, there is no way in which to determine whether a
blossom has produced a set or not unless it matures a berry. A
large percentage of the small berries in our tent No. 1, above de-
scribed, started noticeably in growth after the blossoms fell, but
soon stopped and failed to mature. The conditions were such that
the failure of many of these berries to mature was evidently due
to lack of cross pollenation yet we had previously supposed that any

noticeable start in growth on the part of th=! young berry was a
certain sign of crosS pollenation of the blossoms and of satisfac-
tory setting.

3. Failure to Mature. About a week after practically all
the Early Black blossoms had fallen at the state bog and the young-
berries (or, as they are frequently called, "sets") were present in
all stages of development, from the very smallest up to two-thirds
grown, we marked with string berries of different sizes to see,
particularly, how many of the very small ones would mature.
We did this marking on July 17 and the very largest berries pres-
ent then measured seven-sixteenths of an inch in diameter (i. e. ,
small diameter). In this work we marked berries of three sizes
as follows :

No. Marked Size (Small Diameter)

(a) 50 About one-sixteenth inch (not started

in growth at all).

(b) 50 From five-sixtyfourths of an inch to

seven-sixtyfourths of an inch.

On August 17, or one month later, these marked berries were
examined again with results as follows:

(a) Of the first fifty originally marked, forty-three were
found, none of which had matured.

(b) Of the second fifty marked, forty were found, none of
which had matured.

4. Many Top Berries Mature. It has been the general im-
pression, and we, until this season, shared in this impression, that
it is the top blossoms .vhich as a rule fail to mature fruit and
that the lower blossoms are the ones which produce the berries.
On August 20 of this season we examined carefully and made
records concerning this matter for seventy-seven uprights taken at
random on the Early Black vines on the state bog. In these
records we numbered the blossoms lowest down on the upright
No. 1, the one next to the lowest No. 2, and so on up in regular
order so that the top blossom on an upright with six blossoms
would be No. 6. The results of this examination were as follows:

Blossoms Berries Per Cent Berries to Blossoms

47
60
44
36
39
83
50

No. 1

(1(

jwest)

No. 2

No. 3

No. 4

No. 5

No. 6

No. 7

A general glance over the bog, where this examination was
made, a week after the falling of the blossoms, would have given
anyone the impression that the small berries, and consequently the
berries least like.y to mature, were for the most part on top.
This general appearance, usually noticed at that period on most
bogs with good promise for a crop, is, however, apparently due
to the fact that the weight of the berries, as they increase in size,
tends to pull them down into the vines considerably while the
smaller berries, not so much pulled dov/n, stick up above the
larger ones.

THE HONEY BEE AND CRANBERRY
GROWING

Dr. Burton N. Gates, Massachusetts Agricultural College,
Amherst, Mass.

The importance of the honey bee in setting a crop of cranber-
ries has not been thoroughly realized heretofore. Th^ most excel-
lent experiments of Dr. Franklin, however, demonstrate that the
honey bee is not only imporant but almost an indisp^nsible servant
in securing a maximum crop of berries. The problem before the
growers is comparable to that of the producers of cucumbtrs under
glass who annually used in Massachusetts upwards of two thousand
colonies. Formerly cucumbers under glass were fertilized by hand,
which was not only laborious, but not always resulted in perfect
fruit.

With the cranberry grower, cross fertilization and the setting
of fruit has not been at all under the control of the producer. If
the honey bee has been a factor, it has been by accident and
through no effort of the grower. It will be recognized that cer-
tain forms of wild bees and perhaps other insects have their part
in the cranberry production, but dependency upon these and upon
the possible service of the bees from neighboring apiaries, fails
to provide an assured crop. At best it is a haphazard method.

The biologist knows that in all natural life and especially
among the insects that under the natural wild conditions, there are
years when a species is abundant, and years when it is scarce.
This fluctuation is often spoken of as periods of ups and downs.
Thus it is reasonable to attribute a large bearing of berries one
year to an abundance of insect life and a partial crop of berries

nother year, perhaps to an insufficient number. It is a down
period or a period of depression for the species. In considering
the honey bee, it is well known that in certain seasons they thrive
better than in others. Furthermore, the honey bee is susceptible
to diseases which heretofore crept into the apiaries unbeknown to
the beekeeper, and, almost without warning, reduced the stock.
Such a reduction might readily happen in the vicinity of cranberry
bogs, and, whereas the producer had been successful previously,
the entire failure of his crop might result. These and other
fluctuations beyond the control of the cranberry grower, who does
not maintain his own honey bees, are risks which he should not
run and which may be entirely avoided.

To obviate this uncertainty and to assure an abundance of in-
sects on the bog at exactly the right time, it seems most desirable
that the progressive grower should maintain an apiary. The in-
vestment is almost infinitesial as compared with the possible re-
turns. By maintaining an apiary, the grower should be able to
prophecy with relative accuracy the largeness of his crop, barring,
of course, the uncontrolable weather conditions which may prevent
the flight of the bees during the blooming period of the cran-
berries. It is, as with the cucumber grower, the very best insur-
ance a producer may put upon his crop.

Stated in another way, the maintenance of an apiary in
a cranberry bog makes the grower independent of his neighbor,
wild Insect life and in a large measure climatic conditions.
Furthermore, finding that the bees are not numerous enough to in-
sure a maximum set of fruit, it is a very easy matter to bring in
a few extra colonies which should increase the number of flying
bees by the tens of thousands. Again, if the weather is such
that flight^ are intermittent, rain perhaps driving the bees to the
hive for a part of the day, these large numbers are absolutely
essential in order that each blossom may be visited at least once
and fertilization accomplished thereby. Of course when the
weather is more favorable, fewer bees are sufficient, they being
able to visit a greater number of blossoms.

Beside the service of bees in the production of fruit, the cran-
berry grower may have another gain also, an opportunity to secure
a handsome crop of honey. There is no reason why the bees on a
cra.iberry bog should not prosper from the honey producing stand
point. Nectar from the cranberry is reported to produce a superior
grade of honey.

As yet it has not been possible to estimate the numbar of colonies
necessary for a given area of vines. It will be possible, however,
to determine this, but for the present, growers should maintain an
apiary which should flood their bogs with bees, notwithstanding
there may be an abundance of wild insects, for it should be re-

membered that these are beyond the Ovvner's|control. Rather than
to depend upon their fluctuations, their ups and downs, it is far
better to provide the honey bee.

In this brief statement it is not possible to give specific direc-
tions for maintaining the bees on the cranberry plantation. The
general rules for beekesping apply here as elsewhere. The hard-
ship for thi; colonies will be far less than in the case of the cucumber
grower, who maintains them under the most adverse conditions,
that is, in the tropical, humid heat of a green house, where there
is insufficient nectar and pollen, and where the bees are forced at
an off season when they normally would be wintering.

In contemplating the purchase of bees, the buyer is urged to
secure healthy stock. The infectious diseases of bees have been
alluded to already. These are known respectively as American
foul brood and European foul brood. Their nature, detection and
treatment (they can be successfully eradicated by the careful bee-
keeper) is described in tha publication which may be had from
Hon. J. Lewis Ellsworth, Secretary State Board of Agriculture,
Boston, Mass., an3 from the Office of the Inspector of Apiaries,
Amherst, Mass.*

*Bunetin No. 1. Apiary Inspection. Brood Diseases of Bees. Their Treatment and the Law
for Their Suppression in Massachusetts. By Burton N. Gates, Inspector of Apiaries, 1910.

Another Bulletin, just published by the writer, "Some of the Essentials of Bee Keeping",
as well as other publications and general information may be had at these addresses.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Wareham, Mass., Aug. 22, 1911.

Aug. 21, 1910, Cash on hand brought for

ward from previous year, $222.22

Aug. 22, 1911, Received annual dues from

members, 143.00

Aug. 22, 1911, Received from sale of dinner

tickets, 74.02

Aug. 22, 1911, Cost of dinner and all other

expenses for the year, $130.45

Aug. 22, 1911, Cash on hand deposited with

National Bank of Wareham, 308.79

$439.24 $439.24
Respectfully submitted,

Irving C. Hammond, Treasurer.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association
EXTRACT FROM BY-LAWS

Membership and Dues

Any person interested in promoting cranberry culture, or any
business pertaining thereto, is eligible as a member of the cor-
poration.

The due? shall be one dollar for a year, or any fraction there-
of, payable to the quarter on or before the annual meeting.

All candidates for membership shall sign an application
(which must ba accompanied by dues of one dollar for the balance
of the year to the next annual meeting) to the Board of Directors,
and, if approved by the directors at any meeting held for that
purpose, or by written approval of at least seven of the directors,
he shall be enrolled as a member.

The Caps Cod Cranberry Growers' Association will be found
to be of mutual benefit to all those who are in any way connected
with the industry and all such are urged to become members. A
strong association is necessary for the best interests of the busi-
ness, and you should all, who are not now members, join at once
and help the cause along.

A REPORT of the TWENTY - FIFTH ANNUAL
MEETING of the CAPE COD CRANBERRY
GROWERS' ASSOCIATION, EAST WAREHAM.
MASS., TUESDAY, AUG. 20, 1912. together with a
REPORT of the STATE EXPERIMENTAL BOG

THE COURIER PRESS

WAREHAM, MASS.

19 12

ANNUAL MEETING

The twenty-fifth annual meeting of the Cape Cod Cran-
berry Growers' Association, pursuant to a call duly made by the
secretary, (being the third annual meeting of the incorporated
body) was held at the State Experimental Bog at East Ware-
ham, Mass., on Tuesday, August 20, 1912.

The meeting was called to order by the President. George
R. Briggs.

The Secretary's report was read and accepted.

The president drew attention to the change. in the barrel
law, stating that it was quite inadvisable to stamp the barrels
"IGO quarts", as it is not required by law and causes trouble on
the selling end. The standard barrel when properly packed
will hold 100 quarts, after the pressure is applied, yet when the
berries are measured out they sometim'es fall short. The cran-
berry barrel is a legal standard measure when made in the re-
quired dimensions. Mr. Briggs gave a review of the laws
governing the size of barrels and told of the part the association
had played in getting such legislation as was considered fair to
the grower and the consumer. He spoke of the attempt being
made by congress to establish a standard size for all fruit barrels
which would be about the size of an app1« barrel. The bill was
opposed by representatives of the cranberry interests who went
to Washington and appeared before the committee and after
much discussion it was finally practicallv agreed that cranberries
will be excepted if the present bill is acted upon this season.

Mr. Briggs said that all that was required of growers is that
the barrels be marked "Massachusetts Standard Measure."

The applications for membership of twenty-three growers
were received and all were accepted as members of the associa-
tion.

The following nominations for directors were made from
the floor: Colburn C. Wood, George R. Briggs, John C. Make-
peace, Joshua Crowell, Franklin E. Smith, Irving C. Hammond

Lemuel C. Hall, Arthur N. Kinney, Franklin F. Marsh, S. N.
Mayo and M. L. Fuller.

Messrs. Bradley, Harris and Rogers were appointed tellers
to receive and count the votes. The polls vi^ere opened and
after all had voted who wished they were duly closed. The
tellers announced that all those nominated as reported above had
been unanimously elected.

President George R. Briggs made the announcement that
his n^me must not be considered for re-election as president.

T)je following nominations for officers were then made:

; President — John C- Makepeace

^ First Vice President — Myron L. Fuller

Second Vice President — Seth C. C. Finney

Secretary — Lemuel C- Hall
' ' ' Treasurer — Irving C. Hammond

The members voted and the officers nominated, as reported
above, were unanimously elected.

In the absence of the newly elected president the first vice
president, Myron L. Fuller, took the chair and presided.

Thec-hair appointed as members of the committee to re-
ceive and tabulate statistics in regard to the crop, Lawrence
Rogers and^ Franklin E. Smith.

Col. Bradley moved that a vote of thanks be extended to
Ex-President Briggs for the faithful service given the association
during his repeated terms of office. The vote was unanimously
carried.

On motion of Dr. F. F, Marsh it was voted that the by-
laws and list of members of the association be printed in such
form as may be approved by the directors and that a copy be
mailed to each member.

Dr. Marsh brought up the question as to whether cran-
berry growers are farmers under the intent of the workmen's
compensation act. This brought out considerable discussion
which was participated in by Dr. Marsh, Franklin E. Smith, J.
B. Hadaway and others. Mr. Hadaway moved that the attor-
ney of the association be authorized to look into the matter to
determine whether the farmer's exemption clause applies to
cranberry growers. The motion was unanimously carried.

Further discussion followed in regard to the association de-
fending a test case and the matter was laid on the table until
after lunch.

When the meeting was again called to order President
Makepeace assumed the chair.

After some discussion it was voted:
That it is the sense of this association that cranberry
growers are farmers and that the directors are hereby authorized
to insist upon the same before the courts or commission, and
that they may at their discretion defend at the cost of the asso-
ciation any suits bjought against any of its members in this con-
nection."

The committee appointed to tabulate crop statistics report-
ed as follows: Estimate for 1912, 123,114 barrels; crop of 1911,
112,506 barrels; an increase of 11 per cent over the crop of 1911.

Mr. Chaney reported: Wisconsin' crop, 1912, 30,000 barrels,
against 30,000 barrels in 1911; New Jersey crop, 140,000 barrels
in 1912 against 143,000 barrels last year.

Col. Bradley spoke interestingly concerning the planting of
white pine trees on upland and told of what he has done in that
direction at Wareham.

A vote of thanks was extended to H. J. Franklin for
courtesies extended and aid given the association.

It was voted that a committee be appointed to secure a re-
duced rate of insurance on cranberry buildings.

It was voted that the president, treasurer and secretary be
instructed to prepare, print and distribute the reports of the
meeting.

A vote of thanks was given to all the speakers of the day.

The addresses made and the papers read will be found
printed in full in the following pages.

On motion duly seconded it was voted to adjourn.

Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

LEMUEL C. HALL, Secretary.

THE PLANT FOOD NEEDS OF THE

CRANBERRY

By PROF. T. W. MORSE.

Analyses of cranberries and cranberry vines show an un-
usually small proportion of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash,
especially in the berries. Reports from Massachusetts and New
Jersey agricultural experiment stations contain results which
agree very closely, and from them I have calculated that a crop
of 100 barrels per acre of berries removes from the bog only 7
pounds of nitrogen, 3 pounds of phosphoric acid, and 8 pounds
of potash.

A ton of vines would contain 15 pounds of nitrogen, 6.2
pounds of phosphoric acid and 8 pounds of potash.

Since peat bogs contain tons and tons of these different
fertility constituents in an acre foot, it follows that cranberries
will not exhaust the plant food in centuries, so far as mere
figures can be relied upon.

Yet, on the other hand, the low percentages of plant food
in the cranberry vines and fruit indicate plainly that the plant
has become accustomed to scanty nourishment, and it may need
some form of plant food not provided by the bog in which it is
accustomed to grow.

Only three feitilizer experiments have been found reported
in'the experiment station bulletins, one in New Jersey, one in
Wisconsin and one in Massachusetts.

They agree on the need of more nitrogen in the form of
nitrate of soda, but differ as to the importance of phosphoric
acid and potash. Neither the New Jersey nor Massachusetts
experiments were conducted on a typical peat bog, but on a
black, sandy soil.

These results of analysis and field trial point to a low avail-
ability of the enormous potential fertility of peat bogs under the
conditions of cranberry growing.

When peat soils have been drained and used for corn, grass
and other farm or truck crops, it has been noticed that nitrogen
is seldom required, but that phosphates and potash salts have
usually been beneficial. The conditions for farm and truck
crops are, hovvever, very different from those of the cranberry
crop. In the former, thorough drainage is maintained, which
means that plenty of air is present to promote beneficial bacterial
activity, and nitrates are freely formed.

In fact, peat is one of the materials used in sewage purifica-
tion because it will hold more water and air together than any
other earthy substance.

But in cranberry growing it is necessary to keep the peat
satuated with water during a large part of the year, which
hinders, if it does not prevent, the action of nitrifying organisms.

Durmg the period of flooding, there can be little beneficial
oxidation of dissolved soil compounds by which they are made fit
for plant food At the other periods, the water table is main-
tained at a high level so that cranberry vines develop their root
systems mainly, if not wholly, in the sand on the surface of the
peat.

The sand itself is nearly negligible as a source of plant food,,
but it is continually supplied with water from the peat below it.
and this water rises satuated with the soluble compounds from
the peat, to be oxidized in the sand by air and bacteria and made
fit for nourishment of the vines and fruit.

A peculiar property of many bog plants has been observed by
botanists, namely, a resemblance to desert plants which have a
scanty supply of water.

There are differences of opinion about the causes of this
resemblance, but a prominently mentioned cause is the probable
presence in bog water of poisonous substances, which causes
bog plants to develop roots and leaves that resist the passage of
water through them, instead of encouraging it, as in most culti-
vated plants.

The evidence of scanty food requirements on the part of the
cranberry may be due to the presence of poisonous matter in the
bog water, which the cranberry avoids by using as little water
'n its interior as possible.

A consideration of the conditions under which changes best
take place leads me to the belief that the earlier the water is
drained ofi in the spring and the lower the water table can be
maintained during the summer, the more use can be made of the
natural fertility by the cranberry vines. I consider it also prob-
able that under the usual methods followed in handling the
water on the bogs that the application of small quantities of
quickly available chemical fertilizers should be beneficial to the
crop.

The experiments at Amherst, with small trial bogs in large
tiles, are throwing some light on the problem, as Professor Brooks
anticipated.

Fertilizers were applied last year and this. The vines are
now two years old and cover the surface with a dense mat and
runners extend over the sides of the tile from two to three feet.
We have counted the fruits on the individual bogs and estimate
that the average crop is at. the rate of 40 barrels. per acre. Potash
is the only element that appears advantageous for fruit this season.

A study of the composition of the bog water and measure-
ments of the amount drained away last spring and of the quanti-
ty added during the present summer, have given data on which
to base some tentative calculations of the losses of plant food on
the one hand, and of the available nutrients on the other hand.

The surface flood water was found to be practically negli-
gible as a remover of plant food, but the seepage water which
next filled the drains and continued to pass away until the close
of the rainy season in June, was of some consequence. This
seepage water amounted to 72,000 gallons per acre and removed
about 15 pounds of nitrogen, 38 pounds of potash and 7 pounds
phosphoric acid; but the composition of seepage water from fer-
tilized and unfertilized bogs was practically alike, showing that
the fertilizers added to the bogs did not leach away, not even the
nitrates.

The amount of water which has been added during the sum-
mer to maintain the desired level of the water table, has been 6.9
inches per acre, or 190,000 gallons.

Analyses of saturated bog waters gave the data from which
I have calculated that this amount of water rising into the sand

possibly carried with it 53 pounds of nitrogen^ of which 25
pounds was in the form of ammonia and nitrates, 30 pounds of
phosphoric acid, of which only traces were available, and 85
pounds of potash, all of which was soluble-

The question may naturally occur to some of you. Why is
the phosphoric acid present in the water not available? It is an
almost imperceptible mass, which apparently passes readily
through the soil spaces, but will not pass a porcelain water filter
even under a pressure of 40 pounds per square inch.

From these data, which show considerably more plant food
than the cranberry crop will remove, it may be inferred that nat-
ural sources are sufficient.

But it comes in instalments throughout the growing season.
It is possible and probable that soluble fertilizers added in the
spring will be advantageous in giving the start to the vines, that
is recognized in most field crops when commercial fertilizers are
used.

REPORT OF CO-OPERATIVE CRANBERRY
SPRAYING EXPERIMENTS IN MASSA-
CHUSETTS FOR 1911

By DR. C. L. SHEAR, Plant "Pathologist
U. S. Department of Agriculture

The following report of the spraying experiments carried on
in co-operation with the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment
Station I? given at this time simply as a matter of record of pro-
gress in this work. As it covers only one season's experiments,
it cannot be regarded as at all conclusive. The purpose of these
experiments has been to determine whether the fungus rots of
the cranberry, which occur in Massachusetts, can be successfully
prevented by spraying. It has been frequently observed that a
large percentage of fruit, which is apparently sound when picked
becomes soft and spoiled before shipment, or in transit. Studies
we have made of such fruit show that almost invariably the soft-
ening is due to a fungus parasite which is present in the berries
when picked, but which did not develop until the fruit is bruised

or submitted fo some unfavorable conditions of temperature and
moisture, such as frequently occur in the interval between pick-
ing and marketing. If these fungi can be prevented from gain-
ing entrance into the berries, the fruit should be able to with-
stand proper conditions of handhng and shipment with little loss.
In determining the benefit from spraying, therefore, it is desir-
able not only to make a record of the quantity of decayed fruit
at the time of picking, but also of the loss in the interval between
picking and marketing. It seems probable that it will be desir-
able, also, to carry this one step further and determine the con-
dition of the fruit when it reaches market.

One series of experiments was carried out, under our direc-
tion, by John C. Makepeace, and the other by Dr. H. J.
Franklin. We wish to express our gratitude to these two gen-
tlemen for their kind assistance in this work. The experiment
made by Mr. Makepeace was as follows: A portion of a bog of
Early Blacks was divided into six plots and numbered consecu-
tively. The vines on these plots were as uniform in character as
could be found and had, in previous seasons, shown about the
same amount of disease. The spraying was as follows:
Plot Variety Date of Spraying Fungicide Used Yield in Bus.

Early Black
(unsprayed)

Early Black

(sprayed)

June 19, 1911
July 3, 1911
July 17, 1911

4-3-50 Bordeaux

August 9, 1911

1-5 Copper Acetate

6 3-4

Early Black
(unsprayed)

Early Black

(sprayed)

July 3, 1911
July 17, 1911

4-3-50 Bordeaux

■

August 9, 1911

1-50 Copper Acetate

Early Black

(sprayed)

June 19, 1911
July 3, 1911
July 17, 1911

4-3-50 Bordeau

August 9, 1911

1-5U Copper Acetate

10 1-2

Early Black

(sprayed)

July 3, 1911
July 17, 1911

4-3-50 Bordeaux

August 9. 1911

1-50 Copper Acetate

Eight crates of berries, four from Plot 1, unsprayed, and
four from Plot 5, which received four sprayings, were shipped to

Washington, just as thej' came from the bog. Two crates of

each of these lots were carefully sorted, by hand, October 16,

1911, with the following result:

Plot 1 Unsprayed 32.7 per cent rotten

Plot 5 Sprayed 5 times 16. S per cent rotten

All the fruit, sprayed and unsprayed, sorted and unsorted,
was then placed in cold storage at a temperature of 36 degrees
F., and kept until February 5, 1912- It was then taken out and
again carefully sorted, with the following result:

^lot

Treatment

Total

rcentage of Rot

Unsprayed and sorted

80.9

Sprayed and sorted

43.9

Unsprayed anil Unsorted

84 7

Sprayed and Unsorted

42 4

These results show about twice as much rot in the un-
sprayed fruit as in the sprayed. The percentage of rot in the
sorted and unsorted fruit, when taken from storage in February,
was practically the same. These figures indicate that 48.2 per
cent rot developed in the unsprayed fruit in storage, and 27.1
per cent developed in the sprayed fruit. This shows a higher
percentage of decay developing in storage than was the case in
our e.xperiments with New Jersey fruit, as recorded in Bureau of
Plant Industry Bulletin No. 100, Parti. The following is a
record of the spraying experiments at the Cranberry Experiment
Station, East Wareham. As there was little or no rot in these
berries at the time of picking, the only record made is that of
the amount of soft fruit found at the time of screening, on De-
cember 4.

Plot V^ariety Date of Spraying Fungicide Used Yield in bus.
A Howes June 3. 1911 4-3-50 Bordeaux
July 17, 1911
August 2, 1911 Copper Acetate

and Soap 19.5

-B McFarlinsJulv 17,1911 4-3-50 Bordeaux
August 2, 1911 Copper Acetate

and soap 20.5

C Howes July 17, 1911 4-3-50 Bordeaux
August 2, 1911 Copper Acetate

and Soap 17.33

A-1 Howes Unsprayed 43.56

A-2 " " 20.9

B-1 McFarlins Unsprayed - 23.66

C-1 Howes Unsprayed 19.8

Fruit picked, Sept. 21-23, 1911.

Run through separator, Nov. 7, 1911.

Screened, Dec. 4-6, 1911.

Eighty-five quarts of berries were taken from each plot
after passing through separator Nov. 7.

Each of these lots was screened December 4, with the fol-
lowing result:

Plot Variety Quarts Sound Fruit Percentage of Rot

A Howes, sprayed 75 12.3

A Howes, unsprayed 65 23.5

B McFarlins, sprayed 60 29.4

B McFarlins, unsprayed 47 44.7

C Howes, sprayed 78 8.2

C Howes, unsprayed 72.5 14.7

It will be noted that there was from 6 to 13.3 per cent less
fruit on the sprayed than on the unsprayed plots, except in the
case of check 1 of unsprayed plot A-1, which produced more
than twice as many berries as the sprayed plot. The difference
in this case is evidently due, in part at least, to some other
causes than those which produced the other difference. Dr.
Franklin is of the opinion that the difiference in yield
in most of these cases is due to the mjury to fruit caused by
tramping over the plots in spraying. Taking it for granted that
the average loss to the crop on the sprayed plots was due in
some way to spraying operations, it is still much less than the
amount of rot which developed in the unsprayed fruit. Whether
the saving in sound frui*:, between the time of separating and
screening, is sufficient to justify the expense of spraying, is evi-
dently not conclusively determined by this experiment. The
behavior of the fruit, from sprayed and unsprayed plots, during
shipment and marketing, should also be taken into consideration.
We have, at present, no data in regard to this, however. The
experience of some of the growers and sales agents during the
past season indicates that the problem of handling fruit to avoid

loss after picking and during shipment and have it reach the
consumer in sound condition is a very important one.

The whole problem of handling cranberries during picking,
cleaning, packing and shipping, so as to reduce the loss to a
minimum, deserves very serious consideration and needs further
investigation, though our studies and experiments have already
shown that the great bulk of the loss from softened fruit is due
to fungi which are in the berries at the time of picking and
which proceed to develop and cause softening of the fruit when-
ever conditions of temperature and moisture are favorable. It is
probable that little or no softening of fruit occurs from other
causes. It has been thought, by some, that fermentation or a
general breaking down of the tissues from chemical change may
produce softening of the fruit. There is little evidence, how-
ever, to support this idea. Only occasionally do we find soft
berries which do not appear to be infested with a fungus. If
the fruit can be kept from becoming infected with fungous
germs, picked and stored under favorable conditions, and with-
out bruising, there should be little danger of loss from soft or
rotten fruit. If, however, the fruit is infested with disease at the
time of picking, it requires very careful handling, under condi-
tions of temperature and moisture which do not favor the de.
velopment of the organisms.

Berries should be placed in a cool, dry place as soon after
picking as possible, and bruising should be avoided as far as pos-
sible. Other commercial fruits handled in the same manner as
the cranberry is ordinarily handled would probably result in total
loss. It may be found necessary to modify the present methods
of handling the fruit in order to reduce the loss which so fre-
quently occurs at present in storage and transit.

GOOD PACKING

By A. U. CHANEY.

This is a dangerous subject for me to attempt to discuss, as
my time and attention have always been given to the marketing
end. I therefore will attempt to discuss only the necessity of

good packing and uniformity and reliability of packing from a
marketing standpoint.

Business of every kind today is based on credit and reputa-
tion, and especially is this true between widely scattered com-
munities. This community, or district, produces cranberries,
which it exchanges with the South for cotton, with California
and Florida for oranges, Pennsylvania for coal, the Centraland
Northwestern states for their grain and flour, with the cities for
their clothing and manufactured articles, etc. Money is only
the medium of that exchange. The communities enjoying the
greatest prosperity are those which enjoy the best reputation for
producing, manufacturing or packing the most dependable goods
— as Sheffield, England, for its cutlery, Minneapolis for its flour,
Battle Creek, Mich., for its breakfast foods, Hood River, Ore.,
for its apples, Colorado for its peaches, Grand Rapids, Mich ,
for its furniture, etc.

Cape Cod enjoys a favorable reputation now for its cran-
berries. Strangers to this industry often are surprised to learn
that cranberries are grown elsewhere. So favorable has been
this reputation that in previous years dealers in many of the
principal markets would brand cranberries received from other
sections 'Cape Cod Cranberries" to facilitate their sale. Cran-
berries from the other sections would be fully equal to and some-
times better than the average of Cape Cod shipments of the
season, but the public demand was for cranberries coming from-
the community most favorably \known to them for that product.

Today the other cranberrv sections are alive to the advan-
tage of having a favorable reputation for their product and have
come to realize that it can best be secured by encouragmg and
educating their fellow growers of their state to grade properly,
harvest properly and prepare and pack their fruit uniformly and
well. They have begun to realize that every package going out
of their state improperly packed, graded or marked, injures and
retards the reputation of the product of their community. A
grower who uses proper care in producing good fruit, harvesting
same in prime condition, packing same under favorable con-
ditions and in proper manner does credit to himself and his
neighbors and materially enhances the reputation of his district.

A grower who ships fruit that is carelessly screened, slack packed,
improperly marked, or that is misrepresented in any way ma-
terially injures, not onlv his own reputation, but the standing in
the markets of his community.

I believe if every cranberry grower understood the great ad-
vantage to themselves that would accrue by all growers packing
their fruit in the most approved manner and always so marking
or branding same as will properly represent the contents, that
greater and more willing co-operative efforts would be made
toward that end.

One of the difficulties marketing men contend with is
berries arriving at destination, often only a comparatively short
distance away, in unsound or unattractive condition, after hav-
ing left the shipping station in apparently prime condition. It is
hard to convince the grower that his berries arrived wet, damp
or in weakened condition, when they were apparently dry and
sound and properly screened only a few days earlier when they
left him. Since I have been manager of the Exchange and rep-
resenting the growers, it has been interesting to verify such com-
plaints and, through the inspectors, trace back to discover the
cause. It might be well here to mention some of the causes of
such conditions, as —

Packing and screening in damp or fogg\ weather.

Harvesting the fruit wet.

Storing the fruit in damp places.

Sorting in a room of considerably warmer temperature than
the storage.

Too much handling when fruit is very ripe.

Excessive flooding of bog during the time the fruit is com-
ing to maturity.

Assorting the seconds and mixing in with the first grade, in-
stead of packing them separately and so marking them.

Hand Assorting — I wish some method could be devised to
properly screen berries without doing so by hand, but today the
majority of berries must be hand assorted. Even in the hand
assorting, however, I have observed that it is possible to do the
fruit injury rather than benefit it. Especially do I believe this

is true of over-ripe, dark colored fruit. It is more or less diffi-
cult to detect all of the soft berries in such fruit with the eye. I
have observed the sorters rolling the fruit over the table with the
pressure of their hands or picking up handfuls and squeezing
them to detect the soft ones. By so doing they cause more
berries to become soft quickly than they have picked out. Such
fruit would frequently arrive at destination in better condition
had not a hand touched them. Please understand that I strong-
ly believe in hand assorting, as a rule, but when assorting dark
colored fruit unusual care not to bruise the berries with the
hands is advisable-

Finally, every grower should have in mind that the con-
sumers are your customers and that the sales company, cash
buyer or commission men are only your medium of distribution
to them. As your customers increase you will prosper. If you
desire to hold the consumers' favor, you must produce such fruit
and harvest and pack it so it will reach their eyes and homes in
sound condition and with an appetizing appearance. Put a bar-
rel of unsound and unattractive berries in a retail store and you
surely retard and often effectively kill the cranberry trade of that
store for the balance of the season. A short crop of poor-keep-
ing and unattractive fruit is more difficult to market than a large
crop of good quality. Cranberries should be grown, harvested,
screened, packed and distributed in such a way that they will
reach the consumer in prime condition in order to bring best
results.

PROBLEMS OF THE CRANBERRY GROWER
AS A BEEKEEPER

With Suggestions for the Utilization of Honey Bees
in Setting the Cranberry Crop

DR. BURTON N. GATES
Massachusetts Agricultural College, Amherst, Mass.

With the systematizing of methods for the better cultivation
of the cranberry, one of the recent and most marked advances
is the possible and probable service of honey bees in the assurance
of a maximum crop. The value of insects in general, among
them the honey bee, as agents in pollenization of our important
fruits and vegetables, has long been known. Each year, how-
ever, the particular value of the honey bee is becoming better
recognized Heretofore, as was efnphasized a year agf", growers
of apples and melons have trusted the setting of their crops to
good fortune. The growers depended upon wild insects or upon
honey bees kept by neighbors. If, however, the climatic condi-
tions were unfavorable, it has been found that insects failed to
set the crop successfully. Recent experiments and observations
concerning the cranberry have shown that similar conditions
prevail. Favorable or unfavorable weather a large or small num-
ber of insects are thought to be closely correlated with a large or
small cranberry set. Hence, as has been previously explained,
the cranberry grower can well afiford to invest a few dollars in
bees, maintaining them adjacent to his bogs in order that he
may be independent of neighbors bees or the fluctuations of
wild insects. This may be looked upon as a matter of insurance.
The honey bee at present is the only insect fertilizing agent
absolutely at the command of the grower. The writer's recom-
mendation would be flood the blossoming bog with bees, re-
gardless of other insects.

THE NUMBER OF COLONIES FOR A BOG

A question which is frequently asked and which is yet un-
answerable from the experimental standpoint concerns the num-

ber of colonies necessary for a given area. A similar question is
asked by the growers of fruits and vegetables. It has recently
come to light that a colony of bees for at least every twenty-five
apple trees is desirable. From observation alone it is suggested
that probably five colonies of bees will be sufficient for ten acres
of cranberries. The need for and tax upon the honey bee,
however, will fluctuate from year to year and depend upon its
ratio to the wild insects or neighbors' bees.

In summary, cranberry growers are advised to consider keep-
ing a few colonies of bees. The results which may be obtained
from their services are entirely disproportionate to the invest-
ment. Moreover, the income from the bees is not entirely
limited to the service upcn the cranberry bog. It is known that
cranberries yield a good grade of nectar and that the bees may
store a surplus of cranberry honey. Furthermore, in most lo-
calities where the cranberrv is grown, there are also abundant
wild flowers. Some of these are practically free nectar producers
and yield a surplus. Where sumac abounds, delicious honey
may be obtained. Around the cranberry bogs are hundreds "of
acres of clethera, sometimes known as sweet pepper bush, pepper
bush, etc. This plant is a profuse bloomer and is not known to
fail in nectar production. Si;me years, more than others of
course, the bees will store a greater surplus. It is a light
colored honey and considered choice. In the fall the meadows
produce a large amount of golden rod and asters, which ma/ fur-
nish surplus honey, or at least abundance of winter stores. Be-
side the incom? from hone/, colonies of bees usually find a ready
sale, varying in price from $5.00 to $10.00 and up.

THE KIND OF BEES

The question which is not infrequently asked especially by
the growers of cranberries, is what kind of bee will best serve
for the fertilization of the cranberry. The reply usually is that
a bee is a bee and the race makes slight difiference in the pro-
ductivity of the cranberry. It may be said, however, that what
is known as the leather colored Italian is probably the best all-
around race of bees for honey production and for general bee-
keeping. It has one quality in particular which causes it to be

much desired by beekeepers of late, namely, that it has at least
resistance to European foul brood. It is a gentle bee as a rule,
prolific, and a good honey producer. Of course the old time
black bee or German bee or its hybrid may be as serviceable for
the cranberry grower. It is, however, usually less easily handled
and has less resistance to an attack of European foul brood and
the devastation of the bee moth. Among the other races of
bees which are used to a less extent in Massachusetts, may be
mentioned the Caucasian, Carneolan, Cyprian and Banat.

THE TYPE OF HIVE
Cranberry growers w ill not be dissatisfied with what is now
considered the standard hive of the country and which is spoken
of as the ten-frame, Langstroth hive. The author's personal
preference is for a seven eighth inch bottom board, metal roof
cover which telescopes and consists of two parts, outer and
inner cover. The majority of beekeepers will prefer the spac-
ing devise for the frame, known as the Hoffman spacer. For
supers, these may contain either 4x5 or 4 1-4x4 1x4 sections.
The beekeeper will also need in his equipment and he is es-
pecially urged to obtain, a smoker, a good bee veil, hive tool.
Porter bee escape (to facilitate in taking off the hone,). Alley
drone trap and if the protection of the hands is desired, a pair of
bee gloves. These are essential only in handling bees under ad-
verse conditions or in gaining self-control and experience. They
are very disagreeable to wear and will probably be discarded by
the experienced beekeeper. It may also be desirable to draw
the trousers around the ankle by means of a pair of pant guards.

SECURE THE STOCK

It is usually advisable to secure your stock as near your bog
as possible. Transportation of bees by railroad is not always
convenient and is sc^netimes disasterous unless the colony is
properly packed. It requires some experience to close in a
colony allowing sufficient ventilation and preventing the melting
down of the combs or the smothering of the bees. Beekeepers
are also especially warned against the possible purchase of stock
which is disease infected. A beekeeper is less likely, however,

to secure diseased stock today than he was a year or more ago.
Experience in inspecting during the current year shows a marked
reduction of infection. Advice can usually be obtained from the
Office of the Inspector at Amherst as to whare stock is available
or whether a given apiary is healthy.

While it is possible to begin beekeeping at any time of the
year, the inexperienced may commence to better advantage late
in April, in May or in June. Bees usually cost a trifle more at
this season than they do in the fall, but this is over-balanced by
the return in honey, increase in bees and the experience which
the beekeeper gains during the season. If bees are bought in
the fall there is of course the possible danger of loss during the
winter.

When the colonies have been secured, it is desirable to
locate them with some consideration. It is a current opinion
among beekeepers and almost dogmatic, that if placed upon a
bog, the bees will perhaps fail to visit the blosjoms adjacent to
the hive, but fly further away. As a matter of fact, the writer
has observed bees of a given colony working within five feet of
their hive. This is contrary to the old opinion that a colony of
bees set in the midst of a clover field might starve. In slight
support of this point, it may be said that a colony will probably
be as efficient upon a cranberry bog if within an eighth or a
quarter of a mile, as though they were within a few rods of the
bog.

SHELTER THE COLONIES

The following points in locating the bees are worthy of con-
sideration. A colony best thrives when sheltered from prevail,
ing winds. This applies not only in winter but in summer and
particularly in early spring. A board fence, the shelter of a
building, a wind break, hedge, stone wall or the bowl of a large
tree is often sufficient. It is also desirable to keep the colony
away from dampness. Dampness in winter is especially unde-
sirable. The hives should stand upon a support perhaps twelve
or fifteen inches from the ground. It is usually preferable to
have the entrance toward the east or south and away from pre-
vailing winds.

QUEENS

A gentleman inquires why a queen should produce a high
percentage of drones. This is due to one or two reasons. The
Queen is either poorly fertilized or she is incapacitated. Such a
colony should be requeened. It is the practice of the larger bee-
keepers and especially of commercial honey producers to requeen
their stock at least once in two years. This they do either by
buying their queens of some commercial queen rearer or by rais-
ing their queens. The principle is to remove the old queen and
introduce a newly mated one. This is done bv means of a small
cage. In the end of the cage is a small candy plug. The bees,
through the hole in the plug eat out the candy, requiring forty-
eight hours and thus release the queen. In the meantime the
newly introduced queen acquires the particular odor of the hive
into which she is introduced and is thus accepted. Where bee-
keepers buy their queens, directions for introduction accompany
each shipment. Information concerning where to secure queens
of the various races may be had by addressing the writer.

THE BEEKEEPING PROBLEMS OF THE CRAN-
t^ERRY GROWER
There is little doubt but that the progressive cranberry
producer will sieze the opportunity to insure or secure his crop
by the introduction of bees. He will thus become a beekeeper,
interested in the most marvelous of insects, enthused by their
curiDUS behavior and activity, and confronted by the numerous
problems of a beekeeper. Cranberry beekeeper, the same as the
cucumber greenhouse beekeeper, as the term is, must necessarily
study methods, read the beekeeping literature, comprismg thous-
ands of titles, contained m the beekeeping periodicals and in
treatises. He will attend the beekeepers conventions and ac.
quire the interest and enthusiasm alone peculiar to the art. In
a word his problems as a cranberry producer utilizing the de.
cidedly beneficial services of the bee, will diflfer slightly from
those of the practical b:;e raiser or honey producer-

The Massachusetts apiary service at Amherst comprising
instruction, expernnentation and inspection will gladly co-operate
with you and assist you so far as possible. Perhaps you would

have your colonies examined, would like to take a beekeeping
course of which at least three are given, attend institutes, and
demonstrations, wish for literature or suggestions. At all times
please feel free to write in care of the Massachusetts Agricul-
tural College.

STATE BOG REPORT
By H. J. FRANKLIN

Mr. President and Members of the Cape Cod Cranberry Grow-
ers' Association:

The station experiments, which have been conducted during
the year that has passed since the last annual meeting of this
association, may be discussed under the eight following herds,
viz: Weather Observations, Skinner System, Orchard Heaters.
Fungus Diseases. Varieties, Bee Experiments, Fertilizers and
Insects.

WEATHER OBSERVATIONS

With all our weather instruments and equipment installed, we
this spring began our first really thorough and serious year's work
in investigating the Cape Cod frost conditions in their relation to
cranberry growing. We were favored in this investigation by an
unusually large number of frosty nights, especially in the month
of June, and we feel that we have already accumulated a con-
siderable amount of valuable experience and information. What
we have learned leads me to believe, more firmly than ever be-
fore, that we may, in time, beccme able to forecast frosts and
dangerous temperatures with gratifying accuracy. The warn-
ings sent out by the District Forecaster at Boston have not, as a
rule, been reliable this year, but I think the service for distrib-
uting the warnings has been improved and I believe that the
warnings themselves will improve in time. In addition to these
warnmgs, it is our intention to make forecasts here at the sta-
tion for any who may wish to telephone in for them on doubtful
nights. No grower should, however, for some time, at least,
place full reliance in these forecasts. Their only purpose at
present is to assist in case of doubt, but it is hoped that in time

they may become fully reliable. We have come to feel, however,
that as there is so much at stake A'hen a bog promises to pro-
duce a good crop of berries, it vv^ould be the part of wisdom for
the growers to provide themselves with the necessary instruments
and learn to make forecasts for themselves. There is such a va-
riety of conditions in the different parts of the Cape and there is
evidently so much variation in the minimum temperatures that it
may be necessary for many of the growers to do their own fore-
casting It will certainly take the station a long time to work
out a reliable scale of minimum temperature differences between
the State Bog and the various other bogs and locations. Our
season's experience indicates that it is probably possible tb work
out such a scale. If any grower wishes to learn to make fore-
casts for himself, I shall be glad to assist him in any way that I
can. The necessary instruments are.-

1. Maximum thermometer.

2. Minimum thermometer.

3. Barograph.

4 Psychrometer (wet and dry bulb thermometer).
5. Weather map (sent daily from Boston on request.)

We appear to be favored in making forecasts here on the
Cape, in one i.nportant respect. Considerable reliance can ap-
parently be placed on the early evening dew point as an indicator
of the minimum temperature to be expected. The dew point is
the temperature at which dew will form. It is of no value in
some parts of the country as an indicator of minimum temper-
atures, while in other parts it appears to be very reliable indeed.
The following appear to be the best indications that a frost mav
be expected on any night during the usual periods of frost danger:

1. Low dew point (50 degrees F. or below at station shelter).

2. High (30.00 or above) and rising barometer.

3- A dying out wind from a northerly, northeasterly or north
westerly direction.

4. A clear sky.

5. A low maximum day temperature.

6. A low and falling early evening temperature.

SKINNER SYSTEM

Last fall we tried to raise the temperature at the bog surface
by running heated water through the Skinner system during
freezing weather on two different days when there was almost no
wind. We found that the idea of raising temperatures in this
way, at least as far as cranberry bogs are concerned, was imprac-
ticable. The air temperature, during one of these tests, was 30
degrees F. We raised the temperature of the water to 65 de-
grees F. and it froze about as fast as it struck the vines.

Because of the failure of our circulating pump during the June
frost period, we were obliged to use our Skinner System pump
for cooling the engine, and, as this pump was not sufficient for
both the engine and the Skinner System, we were obliged to
postpone our Skinner System tests. We have, however, dis-
covered certain disadvantages connected with its use for cran-
berry bogs. In the first place, the pumps necessary for supplying
water, under the necessary pressure for a system for several acres
are more expensive than we at first supposed. While they are
not so costlv as to make the use of this system entirely out of the
question it is probable that the expense would be so great that
the practical grower would prefer to provide for flooding by any
of the other methods ordinarily used. However, this obstacle
may be overcome, as certain new and more efficient pumps for
puinping against high pressures have been devised and are being
put upon the marker.

We find another drawback to this svstem in the clogging of the
nozzles by pieces of pipe scale. 1 his clogging has given us con-
siderable trouble in the small system installed here at the bog
and on any considerable area the trouble from this cause might
be serious. We have, as yet, discovered no sure way to get
around this difficulty.

E. E. Hickey has recently brought out a new device which is
intended to do the sa ne work as the Skinner System. It seems
to have merit and may prove to be of much value. Mr. Hickey
has installed this device in connection with our Skinner System
installation and it may be observed in operation, by the cranberry
growers in general, for the first time today.

ORCHARD HEATERS

A few preliminary tests with orchard heaters were tried here
during the June frost period. Four different kinds of heaters
were used. The results of these tests were unexpectedly suc-
cessful, as we feared that the heaters would not raise the tem-
perature appreciably very far from them in a horizontal direction,
as would be necessary for the protection of cranberry bogs. Be-
fore making these tests, the heating of a cranberry bog looked
like a very different proposition from the heating of an orchard,
because in an orchard the plants to be protected are above the
heaters and heated air rises rapidly on a frosty night. The tests
indicated that the smoke from the heaters, when it gets beyond
the range of the heat, is of little value in throwing ofif frost. The
temperature of the air around the plants must apparently be
raised in order to provide a sure protection. Our most striking
test was one in which we raised the temperature, at a horizontal
distance of ten feet from a single heater, from 30 degrees F. to
33 degrees F. We plan to carry out extensive tests with various
types of heaters this fall and next year.

FUNGUS DISEASES

Dr. Shear has already discussed the fungus question, so I need
not go into it.

You will all note that the state bog is bearing a light crop
this year, and many of you will probably want to know the rea-
son. I mention this because I believe that some interesting
problems may center around the answer to the question. There
seem to me to be only two apparent reasonable explanations for
the light crop on this bog this year. They are :

1. Because of a fairly heavy crop last year, the bog may be
resting and storing up energy for another year. It is commonly
believed among cranberry growers that bogs do rest more or less
in this way. In this connection I wish to draw your attention
to the plot of vines from which bees were shut out last season,
and which as a result bore only about 2 i quarts of berries last
fall. This season this plot is bearing a good crop, more than
double the crop of any equal area on the surrounding bog. ^ An

•25

examination of this plot would lead one, knowing what happened
there last year, to believe, at first thought, that the surrounding
bog is resting-

2. The light crop may, however, be due to a water injury
which may have been caused in the following way : During the
spring of 1911, 1 kept the water down very low in the ditches from
the time the winter flowage was taken of? until the beginning of
the blooming period. By so doing, I probably caused the sea-
son's root system, up to blooming time, to develop deep down in
the bog, as the roots of any plant will always grow toward the
water.

At the beginning of the bloom, I raised the water in the
ditches as high as it could be raised without having it run onto
the bog surface under the vines. I kept the ditches in this very
full condition throughout the blooming period, and for two or
three weeks after the blossom was past. During the month of
July, 1911, I noticed that the very last leaves, in the very tips of
a large percentage of the uprights, were dying or dead over most
of the bog. I feared then that this injury, whatever might be it.
cause, would result in a scanty budding for the follow ing year.
Never having observed this injurv before, however, I thought
that possibly the bog would recover from it before fall and finally
succeed in budding well. This recovery, however, did not take
place and the bud formation for this season was poor and was
naturally followed by a light bloom and the light crop which the
bog is bearing. I have been trying to discover the cause of last
season's injurv to the tips of the uprights. I feel practically cer-
tain that it was not insect injury. Dr. Shear has been unable to
locate any fungus disease in connectiion with it. I at - first
thought it might have been caused by keeping the ditches too
empty at some time, but I found that the highest portions of the
bog were, as a rule going to produce the most berries. It was
pretty certainly not a normal or natural development for the tips.
When plants rest from fruiting, thev simplv produce healthy
vegetative buds instead of fruit buds. They do not normally ab-
stain from fruiting by the death of any part. I finally came to
thQ conclusion that I might have caused the injury by drown-

ing out a part of the root system by holding the water high in
the ditches, as I did during the bloom and starting of the berries
last summer. I am now rather strongly inclined to the opinion
that that was what caused the injuries — that the holding of the
water very high in the ditches, in the midst of the growing per-
iod, after keeping the ditches empty during the first part of the
season and by so doing causing a deep root development, drowned
and killed a part of the root system. Then, with a part of the
root system gone and the development of a fairly heavy crop
of berries drawing on the strength of the vines, some part of the
development above ground had to give in — i. e., vines above
ground probably had to adapt themselves hurriedly to the root
system left to supply them. As the tips of the uprights and run-
ners were the most tender parts of the vine above ground, they
naturally would give in and die first. It will be seen that the
fact that last year's bee experiment plot is this year bearing more
berries than the surrounding bog cannot be used as a good argu-
ment against this explanation of this year's crop shortage on the
bog as a whole. The injury to the tips would naturally be much
less where there was no crop making a demand on the root sys-
tem in addition to the demand of the rest of the vine. If this is
the true explanation of the crop shortage and the bog is not rest-
ing, it becomes at once evident that great care should be exer-
cised in the holding of water in the ditches during the summer.
While it is entirely possible that no general hard and fast rule
can ever be laid down for the summer irrigation of cranberry
bogs, I feel convinced from numerous observations that most
growers are inclined to use too much rather than too little water
during that season of the year. It is certainly true that the
heaviest crops which I have seen this summer, are on bogs the
ditches of which have been kept nearly empty throughout the
entire season, with at most only a brief occasional raising of the
water. I also feel convinced that the greater part of the injury,
which is usually laid to dry weather, is, as a rule, due to other
causes. I have been astonished to observe, on various occasions,
how much dryness the cranberry vine will endure and still persist
in producing its crop. As far as the State Bog is concerned, I
propose to cling to the idea of giving the vines little rather than

much water during the summer, until I am convinced that that
idea is erroneous.

While I am discussing the matter of holding water in the
ditches, I wish to draw your attention to an injury which I not-
iced on several bogs last year. The injury was caused by the
combination of holding the water high in the ditches during the
spring and first part of the summer and the exceedingly hot spell
of weather in July. The holding of the water high in the
ditches caused the season's growth to be more succulent and
turgid with water than it should have been, the cell walls and
the epidermis of the leaves being, from the same cause, thinner
than they would have been under more dry conditions. Upon
this poorly protected, succulent growth the extremely hot
weather of July had a scalding effect, which caused the blossoms
to blast, small berries, some of them a quarter grown, to turn
red as if baked and dry up. and the leaves, either entirely or part-
ly, to take on a marked, abnormal, sickly looking, dark choco-
late color. The proof that the hot, dry weather did not alone,
in such cases, cause the injury, was usually to be found on the
higher and drier parts of the bog, where the vines and their blos-
soms or crop were in a normal and healthy condition.

If the true explanation of our light crop here this vear is that
the bog is resting after bearing a fair crop last year, this fact
probably has certain very important bearings on our fertilizer and
insect problems, which will be discussed in other parts of this
report.

VARIETIES

Last season, we marked with cloth a large number of the up-
Vights, which were bearing four and five berries each, on Early
Black, Late Howe and Vose's Belles vines. We thought that
those uprights might, perhaps, be regularly, as a rule, more pro-
lific than the uprights which were then bearing fewer berries.
We have this season examined carefully these marked uprights
and we find that most of them are either dead or barren. Only
two or three of them are bearing more berries than the average
uprights and their berries are much below the average in size
and appear as though they had been produced with considerable

difficulty. We have, however, 1 think, discovered some of the
more certain marks of cranberry prolificness. The most notice-
able and evident of these marks appears to be the tendency and
ability of the uprights of certain varieties to put out new up-
rights as branches, even when they are at the same time develop-
ing from three to five berries each. We have marked a consider-
able number of such branching uprights for examination next
season. It will be noted in this connection that the uprights of
varieties which are most grown (Early Blacks, Howes, etc.) sel-
dom branch in this way, while developing berries. We think it
may be possible, by selecting and planiing the more prolific of
these branching uprights, to eventually develop a more productive
variety than any at present known.

BEE EXPERIMENT

We have this season repeated the experiment of shutting out
all bees from a small area of bog during the blooming period and
for some time afterwards. This time the screen was put in place
before a single blossom had opened and we thought we might be
able to prove that the cranberry plant was entirely dependent up-
on bees for the transference of its pollen. Strange to say, there
is now nearly as good a crop inside of the screen as outside of it.
This season's results, therefore, appear to contradict those of last
season. On this account, it is evident that this experiment
should be repeated for several seasons. It is possible that, as
Dr. Gates has suggested, small, wild, solitary bees may have
forced their way into the netting this year and succeeded in pol.
lenizing blossoms without being observed. In future experi-
ments along this line, we intend to use a wire screen, which no
bees can force their way through, to make ourselves sure on this
point. Solitary bees are very abundant some seasons and other
years they are scarce and this may account for the different re-
sults obtained in dififerent seasons in these experiments. It is al-
so possible that with certain weather conditions the cranberry
blossom is capable of self-pollenation, while with other condit-
ions, it is not so capable of it.

FERTILIZERS

We have continued the fertilizer experiments begun last year
on the station bog, but have discontinued those at Waquoit.
We kept berries from all the plots on this bog last fall until the
sixth of December, and found that, as a rule, the berries from
the fertilized plots kept better and showed a smaller percentage
of rot, when screened than did those from the check plots.
This was even true of the berries from the plots fertilized with
nitrate of soda. These results were surprising to us, as it seems
to have been the general experience that nitrates tend to impair
the keeping quality, not only of cranberries but of fruits in gen-
eral.

It is evident that the fertilizers have, in this season's experi-
ments, given a marked increase in the amount of fruit that the
vines are bearing. Just how great this increase is we cannot
definitely say until the crop is harvested. It is plain to be seen,
however, that nitrate of soda has given much the greatest in-
crease both in the size of the berries and in their number. This
is the first seas3n in six years of experimenting that we have had
very marked and definite results in favor of fertilizers. We have
been trying to account for this. Up to last year, our experi-
ments were conducted on the Red Brook bog at Waquoit. We
probably should not have expected very marked results on this
bog last season, as the fertilizers were applied rather late in the
season, and the vines probablv did not get their full benefit in
time to show it to any great extent, in last year's crop. It there-
fore seems probable that our failure to get results at Waquoit
and our success here have been due either to a difference in the
character of the bottom of the two-bogs or to some difiference in
their management. Soine chemical analyses have been made
and others are in progress, which should show whether there are
essential differences in the peats of the two bogs. There has
been one very considerable difiference in their management. The
Waquoit bog has, as a rule, been kept rather wet during the
growing seasoii, while the state bog has better drainage and has
been kept much drier. On the Waquoit bog, the nitrate of soda
increased the already very heavy vine growth very much, but the

amount of fruit on the nitrate plots was often markedly less than
on the unfertih'zed plots. On the state bog, the increase m vine
growth on the nitrate plots, while apparent, has not been very
great and the increase in fruit has been very considerable. It
seems quite possible that the matter of drainage may have an im-
portant bearing upon the results which may be expected from the
use of fertilizers. The indications seem to be that, if a bog is
kept wet during the growing season, nitrate of soda will go to
the driving of vine growth without increasing and often diminish-
ing the fruit production and that, on the other hand, if a bog is
kept dry and the vines are made to light more or less for their
water during the growing season, the amount of fruit will be in-
creased by the same fertilizer (nitrate of soda) which, with wet
conditions, would tend to diminish it in favor of vine production,
and the amount of vines will, at the same time, not be unduly
increased. We plan to again test the keeping qualitv of the
berries froin the fertilized and check plots this fall.

INSFXTS
The cotal insect injury has been greaier than usual this year.
It is a bad fruit-worm year and that pest has not yet finished its
work. The damage done by it will probably, before it gets done,
be greater than in any other season for four or five years past,
though the 1911 injury was very considerable. The blackheaded
cranberry worm or fireworm has done greater and more general
injury this season than for many years. Growers of long experi-
ence tell me that the fireworm prevalence this season reminds
them of conditions as they were fifteen or twenty years ago.

THE CRANBERRY SPAN-WORM

The true cranberry span-worm has this season caused serious
injury for the first time in many years, having destroyed all the
leaves on the greater part of the Old Colony bog at Yarmouth.
This appearance of this msect may be the fore-runner of more
widespread damage next year. It is evidently spasmodic in its
occurrence, like the army-worm, and its coming rnd going can-
not, therefore, be predicted with certainty. It rarely, if ever,
however, damages the same bog seriously two years in succession.

This insect is not difficult to control if its presence is detected
when the worms are very small- The eggs are laid in clusters
and the worms that hatch from each cluster feed out in a circle
from their hatching place, growing in size and feeding capacity
as they increase the size of the circle. If the infestation is se-
vere, the different masses of worms will spread out and, uniting,
form an army which, as it advances, eats every green thing in its
path as would an army of army-worms. If the worms are found
at work, while they are yet small and in separate masses, they
may be destroyed and their work stopped by spraying in a circle
around each mass with an arsenical poison — preferably with a
combination of Bordeaux mixture, Paris Green and resin fish-oil
soap. The presence of this insect in the small worm stage is
most easily detected by sweeping the bog with an insect-collect-
ing net everv few days during the part of the season in which
they might be expected, i. e., the last half of June and the entire
month of July.

SCAI.E INSECT

The scale insect, which I discussed in last year's report to this
association as having done serious injury on a bog in Yarmouth,
has now almost entirely disappeared from that bog. It seems,
evident that winter flowage is so detrimental to this pest that it
inay be entirely controlled without any other treatment, espec-
ially if that flowage be applied regularly every year and be kept
on the bog until the month of May. It got its foothold, on the
bog in question, in a season which followed a winter during
which the bog was not flowed. This insect is not a very distant
relative of the famous or, rather infamous, San Jose scale, which
is such a widespread and dangerous pest to fruit trees and nur-
series. Its scientific name is Aspidiotus oxycoccus, and I find it
was first discovered in small numbers on a cranberry bog in New
Jersey several years ago, by Prof. J. B. Smith of the New Jersey
Agricultural Experiment station. It had never been known to
do serious injury, however, before we discovered it at Yarmouth
last year.

SPITTIT INSECTS

I have had a long and interesting correspondence this season

with some cranberry growers on Long Island. Their bogs seem
to have been severeh' injured by spittle insects. I have seen
many bogs infested with these insects here on the Cape, but have
never yet seen them do marked damage here. I have seen a few
infested bogs which did not seem to be doing well and were in
what we would call "poor condition" The spittle insect injury,
in such cases, mav have contributed to produce this poor con-
dition, but it is doubtful if it could have produced it alone, if the
vines had been otherwise healthy and thrifty. By marking in-
fested uprights, I have proved many times that thrifty uprights
will develop berries normally in spite of such infestation, and it
is mv belief that, as a rule, where this insect appears to be caus-
ing damage, the bog is, for other reasons, not in the best of con-
dition anyway. It is, of course, possible, however, that there
may occasionally occur a much more serious infestation by this
insect than any that I have yet seen. Possibly the Long Island
growers, to whom I referred, had such an infestation this season.
The experience of the Long Island growers indicated that com-
plete reflowing for a day or two, when these insects are at work,
will drive them oat satisfactorily, and also that contact poisons
may be used against them with considerable success where water
is not available.

THE GYPSY MOTH

Caterpillars of this insect have been sent in to me this season
by cranberry growers more than ever before. It seems to be get-
ting a foothold on some of the bogs in North Carver. I shall
make observations this fall and next spring to determine if it can
be controlled by ordinary winter flowage. ,

EXPERIMENTAL INSECT WORK

Our experimental work with insects has, for the past year,
been confined mostiv tw-the fruit worm and the blackhead cran-
berry worm or fireworm, though we have also made numerous
observations on the girdler.

THE FRUIT WORM
It has seemed probable that certain peculiar weather condit-
ions have a tendency to cause this insect to be unusually plenti-

ful and injurious in some sf^asons, while different conditions
cause it to be less troublesome in other years. We have been
getting together data, furnished by the Weather Bureau, and
have been making comparisons with our records concerning the
injury caused by this insect for a number of years past. We at
first thought that an open December, with little snow, was very
detrimental to the insect for the following season, while a very
snowy December was favorable to it. We find, however, that
the records do not substantiate this belief satisfactorily. In fact,
the present season's experience is distinctly against such a theory,
for this is evidently a bad fruit worm year and there was prac-
tically no snow last December on the Cape. As far as I am
now able to judge, the data at hand indicate that a very dry
summer, especially during the months of July, August and Sep-
tember, is favoral^le to the insect and u'ill, as a rule, cause it to
be numerous and injurious the following year. Un the other
hand, a wet summer may probably be taken as an indication of
comparatively light injury the following year-

Late holding of the winter Howage is the surest method of
controlling this insect at present known.

I have heretofore recommended holding this flowage until the
20th of May, every third or fourth year, because late holding
every year seemed to reduce the crop of fruit seriously and to give
the bogs a tendency toward vine production instead of fruit pro-
duction. It seemed to me that late holding once in three or
four years was not sufficient to make this tendency considerable,
while it would not onlv reduce greatly the fruitworm injury for
the season in which the late holding was done, but also tend to
reduce the injury for two or three years following. Possibly
this is the most practicable method of fruit worm treatment. If.
however, the theory that a cranberry bog naturally has years of
resting from fruit production and will, on account of a rest one
season, produce a heavier crop the next year, is correct, it at
once becomes evident that it may be desirable to hold the winter
flowage late oftener than once in three years. In fact, it is now
my belief that the best results, everything considered, may be
.obtained bv holding the winter flowage until the 20th of May

every other year. This treatment is sure to reduce the fruit-
worm injury very greatly for both years, and it seems to me that,
as a rule, a bog may be expected to make up to a considerable
extent, in the years when the water is taken off early, for what-
ever reduction there may be in fruit production in the years of
late holding. Moreover, I am inclined to the opinion that much
of the fruit reduction caused by ordinary late holding of the
winter fiowage is due to increased fungus injury which might be
largely averted by proper spraying. There is undoubtedly a di-
rect water injury from late holding, but a very large part of the
injury which late holding causes is probably indirect and is direct-
ly the result of increased fungus disease or of decreased available
fertility of the bottom, which are in turn caused by the late
holding of the winter flowage. I believe, therefore, that a sat-
isfactory treatment for the fruit-worm can be worked out as sug-
gested, by holding the winter flowage late every other year and
by spraying properly for fungus diseases and, possibly, also, on
old bogs, by helping the vines with proper fertilizers.

Our season's observations indicate that early putting on of the
winter flowage is of but slight benefit as a treatment for the
fruitworm. One bog of about ten acres that lost a large percent-
age of its crop by this insect, in the season of 1911, was flowed
for the winter on the fifth of October and the flowage was not
let off until the 8th of May, and even after that long flooding the
fruitworm took about 50 per cent of what would otherwise have
been a good crop.

I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend spraying as a treat-
ment for this insect. While I have, sometimes, on small plots,
succeeded in reducing its injury as much as 60 per cent, my suc-
cess at other times has been very slight., It is diflScult to time
the spraying properly for best results and, moreover, the spray-
ing is quite expensive when done as thoroughly as I have done it
in my experiments. 1 he need for such a treatment, however,
is not very great, for. as I have already said, this insect can be
treated with water, where winter flowage is available, and the
total acreage of bearing bog, which cannot be winter flowed at a
reasonable expense, is only a small percentage of the total bog

acreage. Moreover, most of the bogs, which cannot bereflowed
at reasonable pumping expense, for various reasons are not and
never were good business propositions and should never have
been put in in the first place. However, as there are a few such
bogs, scattered here and there, which will pay a moderate return,
if the fruit worm is kept within bounds, it seems desirable, if
possible, to find some treatment, other than that by water, for this
insect. It may be possible to apply arsenical poisons in the form
of a dust, after having first wet the vines and berries with a soap
solution spray so that the dust will adhere to the smooth surfaces
of the green berries, m sufficient quantity to treat this insect
effectively. We have tried a few little preliminary experiments
along this line this season, and thev have given sufficiently prom-
ising results for us to conclude to try out this method of treat-
ment more extensively next year. I cannot say, however, that
at the present time I have reallv any very great confidence that
this way of applying the poisons will be found more effective or
satisfactory than the old method of spraying.

I have this season tried out a method of treatment which we
have already found successful against the cranberry girdler — that
of heavy sanding while the insect is dormant in the winter co-
coon, under the vines in and on the sand on the surface of the
hog. I thought that such sanding might, as it does with the
girdler, smother the first worm so that the millers would not
emerge, during the summer following the sanding, to lay eggs
for another crop of worms.

In this experiment I sanded a patch of nine square rods with a
full inch of sand, taking pains to rake the uprights up through
the sand when the^^ were covered by it, on the 22nd of May.
This sanded area was then surrounded with a mosquito netting
fence, eight feet high, to keep moths from coming onto it from
the surrounding bog, but it was not closed in at the top. for I
wanted bees to have free access to the blossoms inside and the
moths would not get in at the top anyway because they never,
apparently, fly up more than five or six feet from the ground.
Unfortunately, the new growth had started considerably when
this heavy sanding was done, and, on this account, the injury

done to the buds was very severe, more than three-fourths of
them being destroyed. It is evident that this sanding was only
partially successful, as numerous fruit worm millers have been
seen inside of the mosquito netting fence, during the season,
and probably forty per cent of the berries on the plot have been
destroyed by the worms. That a large percentage of the millers
were smothered by the sanding is shown by the fact that there
are now noticeably more berries on the sanded area than there
are on any equal area on the surrounding bog and this in spite of
the great injury done to the buds bv the sanding. The ainount
of infestation, on the bog wh^re this sanding w-a=i done, is
shown, in a general way, by the fact that, on a considerable part
of the bog, the worms have destroyed all the berries, where there
was a blossom and a fruit setting which should have produced
not less than sixty barrels to the acre. As it seems probable that
this sanding will have a considerable effect on next year's infes-
tation, as well as upon that of this season, I intend to continue
the experiment into next season.

\ As strictl,i/ dri/ bogs usuai/t/ get either severely nnnter killed or badly
spring frosted about evei-y two or three years, I am coming to believe
that the most practicable treatment for the fruit worm, on such bogs,
mould be to destroy the remnant of' the crop, in the years when the severe
injury from either frost or ivinter kill occurs, by spraying the open blos-
soms with a 20 per cent solution of iron sulphate. This destruction of
all the blossoms will cut off the season's local food supply of the fruit-
worm and the bog's infestation will naturally, for the most part, die off
by starvation as a result. In most cases, this destruction of the
remaining blossoms, after severe reduction by adverse weather
conditions, will nor result in a loss to the grovver for the season
for, if the blossoms are left and the crop remnant is allowed to
develop normally, the fruit worms, which, without the interfer-
ence of weather conditions, would have had more than an ample
food supply, will concentrate on the remnant and, as a result,
there will be little or nothing leffat picking time anyway.

During the season, following one in which a bog's fruit worm
infestation is starved out in this way, practically the only infes-
tation present will be that which comes in from the upland dur-

ing that season and that probably will not be very serious in
most cases. Another probable benefit, from this method of
treatment, is that which will come from not tearing up the vines
in picking the small amount of fruit that might be present after
the worms got through. If is veri/ probable that, many times, more
is lost , through injitri/ done to the vines in harvesting a light crop, than
is gained bi/ saving and marketing the berries. On this account, I think
this method of treatment could sometimes be applied advatitageousli/ to
f owed bogs, as well as to drp ones, if the grower is not pressed for im-
mediate returns. In fact, I doubt if, in the long run, such a treatment
would have been a disadvantage, _i»rom the financial standpoint , at the
State bog this year.

I stated, at your last annual meeting, that we had begun work
on the parasites of the fruit-worm. I am sorry to say that these
experiments have, so far, been a failure, for the most part, ap-
parently because I have not succeeded in devising a suitable
cage for rearing the parasites. 1 am now starting a new series
of these experiments with another kind of cage and I am hoping
that these will prove to be more satisfactory than were those
used last year.

HLACKHEAD CRANBERRY WORM
(Endemis vacciniana Pack)

Probably a more appropriate and less confusing common name
for this insect would be "///f we! bog fire worm.'' It is commonly
known by cranberry growers as the "fire worm." Very few,
however, think of it as the '"blackhead cranberry worm," by
which name it was called, by Prof. J. B. Smith of New Jersey,
to distinguish it conveniently and certainly from the yellowhead
cranberry worm," which is also commonly known by the grow-
ers of the Cape as the "fire worm." In spite of this apparently
well reasoned attempt by Prof. Smith to dififerentiate in the
growers' mind the distinguishing characteristics of these two in-
sects, only a small percentage of the growers had up to four or
five years ago, learned to separate them by the character differ-
ence made prominent by him in their names. This may have
been due to the fact that very few of the growers ever received
Prof. Smith's bulletin, or the difficulty of readilv applying insect

descriptions may account for it. We have learned, however,
within the last few years, that in Massachusetts, at least, the so-
called "blackhead cranberry worm" seldom, if ever, does serious
damage on bogs which are not winter flowed, while the ' Vellow-
head cranberry worm" practically never does serious harm on
bog areas which are completely winter flowed. If, . therefore,
one insect were called the "wet bog fire worm" and the other
called the ' dry bog fire worm," the general tendency to call
them both the ''fire worm" would be satisfied and the terms,
wet bog" and dry bog" used with the common name, ' fire-
worm" would easily and instantly separate the two insects in the
mind of anyone. It seems desirable to retain the word "fire-
worm" as a part of the common names of both insects because
the work of either, when very serious, is so suggestive, in ap-
pearance, of the damage caused by fire.

Not only is this insect confined in its damage to winter flowed
bogs, but we find its prevalence on those bogs depends on other
peculiar characteristics of the bogs themselves. We find we can
grade the bogs roughly according to the extent to which they
are, in the long run, troubled by this insect, about as follows,
beginning with those most troubled and following, in order,
with those less infested:

1. Bogs of great area and blocky shape with scanty tvater
supply for reflowage or with June reflowing not regularly prac-
tised. Bogs of this description are never without serious infes-
tation by this insect for any great length of time.

2. Bogs of smaller area which are winter flowed and are re-
flowed not at ail or very little.

3. Bogs of great area and blocky shape which have abundant
water supply for reflowage and are frequently reflowed.

4. Bogs of small area with abundant water supply for reflow-
age. These bogs are practically never troubled with this insect,
probably not more so than are dry bogs.

Furthermore, when a bog of considerable area first becomes
infested, the first "burning" noticed is always at some distance
from the upland and usually near the center of the bog. In a
system of adjoining bogs of different sizes, the first to become

infested is almost invariably the largest and widest one when the
flowage management is the same for all.

In attempting to give reasons for these peculiar facts, con-
cerning the distribution of infestation by this insect, we must
begin with the fact first discovered — that it damages wmter
flowed bogs and onlv rarely attacks strictly dry ones. In this con-
nection, it should first be stated that this insect, as usuallv
found, is only very moderately parasitized, while the yellowhead,
or "dry bog fireworm, " is always attacked by parasitic foes in
great numbers. I was at first puzzled to account for this, but
the reason is not far to seek and becomes apparent after a care-
ful study and comparison of the life histories of these two spec-
ies, which are so alike in their habits and which anyone would
think ought to be curtailed by natural enemies about equally.
The yellowhead passes the winter in the moth stage and, in that
stage, it cannot endure submergence in water. Winter flowage
will, therefore, either kill it or drive it oti from any bog. The
blackhead, on the other hand, passes the winter in the egg
stage and, in that stage, the water of winter flowage protects it
from the severitv of winter weather (there is a considerable mor-
tality among the eggs of this insect when a seriously infested bog
is left without flowage throughout a winter) and, at the same
time, relieves it, to a very large extent, from its parasitic and pre-
dacious enemies (flies, spiders, etc.,) by killing apart of them
and driving most of the remainder ashore. The yellowhead,
compelled to confine itself to bogs which are not winter flowed,
because of the stage in which it passes the winter, has no such
good fortune in escapmg its enemies, and this accounts for the
apparent difference in the amount of parasitism to which the two
species are subject. The difference is an artificial and not a
natural one. It is caused by man's interference by his flooding
operations, with nature's processes. Indeed, it seems probable
that under perfectly natural conditions of the two species, the
blackhead is the more severely curtailed by parasitic and predac-
ious enemies. This is indicated by the fact that this insect sel-
dom seriously infests a dry bog, while the yellowhead succeeds,
under dry bog conditions, in becoming very injuriously abundant

very frequently indeed. Moreover, practical experience has
shown, in a few cases, that when the blackhead succeeds in in-
festing a dry bog, it, as well as the yellowhead, can be driven out
completely with one good spraying with an arsenical poison —
apparently because of the presence of an army of parasitic and
predacious forms, which concentrate on the remnant left by the
poison and clean it out so thoroughly that it does not become
abundant again for many years.

Having shown in a general way how winter flooding, by de-
stroying the natural enemies of the blackhead, enables it to get
a foothold on a bog and become a pest, I will now attempt to
show why. in all probability, the size and shape of a bog have a
bearing on its liability to infestation by this insect. As I have
already indicated the winter flowage either destroys or drives
ashore the natural enemies of this insect and at the same time
protects the insect itself in the egg stage and puts it in a position
to t)roceed freely and without molestation in its hatching and
development after the water is taken oH in the spring. Under
these conditions the only parasites or predacious enemies which
can succeed in reaching the blackhead must come onto the bog
from the upland after the water is taken off. Naturally most of
the insects of this sort will probably not come from a very great
distance to the bog and on this account a limited and probably
not verv wide fringe around the bog must supply them. All
these things being true, these natural enemies of the fireworm
will not become well distributed over a large bog of blocky shape
so quickly as they will over either a small bog or a long, narrow
one for the two following reasons in particular.

I. The distance from the upland to the center of the bog is
of course greater on the large, blocky bog. Therefore, the
parasitic and predacious forms have farther to travel before they
reach the fireworms at the center of the bog and during the ex-
tra time it takes them to go this distance the fireworms gain just
so much. It seems probable that it is because of this that infes-
tation by this insect, on large bogs, usually first appears at
some distance from the upland and often near the center of the
bosi.

As a bog of blocky shape increases in size, the increase in its
area is out of proportion to the increase in the area of a Hmited
fringe around it. For this reason, what parasitic and predacious
fornis (Tachina flies, spiders, etc.) come onto the bog from the
upland during the season, will naturally, in proportion to their
number, be scattered over a greater area on a large bog than
they will on a small one. Thus it will be seen that theoretically,
at least, the fireworm will, under such conditions, be relieved
from its natural insect enemies in direct proportion to the in-
crease in the area of the bog and, from my observations of several
seasons, I feel sure that this is actually the case. I have this
season made collections on several winter-flowed bogs of great
difference in area, at different lengths of time after flooding and
at different distances from the uplands, and on a dry bog for com-
parison, hoping, by this means, to get additional light in regard
to this matter. In this investigation, each collection consisted of
the material gathered by one hundred sweeps of my collector's
net through the vines. Three separate collections were made
on each day that the collecting was done and at each location
which I selected for comparison, in order to be sure that the col-
lections were truly representative of the insect life present at the
time and place that rhe collecting was done. Comparisons be-
tween the different locations, on the different dates, was made
by first separating out the parasitic and predacious forms fronj
the rest of the material in these collections, classifying them,
counting the individuals in each class of each collection separate-
ly, and finally comparing the counts. Perhaps the most remark-
able thing that I learned from this was that, of all forms capable
of damaging the fire worm, spiders, of numerous species taken
collectively, were, in all cases, considerably the most numerous.
Moreover, only the spiders arave really striking differences in the
counts of the different collections made. In comparing these
counts, I found that the dry bog had very many more spiders,
and also a somewhat larger number of parasitic insects than did
any of the winter-flowed bogs, even as late in the season as the
20th of August, when the last examination was made. A bog
of 160 acres, blockv in shape, gave a distinctly smaller count of

spiders, on all parts examined, twenty-seven days after the flow-
age was taken off, than did a bog of 12 acres of similar shape,
on its. very central portion, sixty-eight days after the removal
df the flowage. The distance from the upland, at the nearest
point, to the center of the 12 acre bog, roughly measured by
pacing, is about 250 feet. The 160 acre bog, in the material
collected from the different portions twentv-seven days after the
water was taken off, gave distinctly larger counts and showed a
greater variety of spiders near the upland than ai the center and,
at the same time, some kinds of parasitic insects were collected
near the upland which seemed to be entirely absent at the middle
of the bog. The distance from the upland at the nearest point
to the center of this bog is about seven hundred and fifty feet as
measured by pacing.

In a general way, therefore, the results of my collecting and
counting support my conclusions, arrived at from my general
observations, concerning the cause of the peculiar distribution
of blackhead infestation already discussed. But, wiiile it is evi-
dent that winter flowage seriously reduces the work of the
natural enemies of the blackhead, especially on the large bogs, it
must be remembered that, in spite of this handicap, they never-
theless succeed in doing a great deal toward controlling this in-
sect on all bogs and that, in the first beginnings of the most seri-
ous infestation, only a few stragglers here and there succeed in
escaping them. The escape of these stragglers is, however, a
serious matter, for they increase the amount of infestation which
these natural enemies must take care of the following season, if
they succeed in keeping the pest under control. As the winter
flowage comes in and sweeps away these natural enemies again,
they cannot increase on the bog to meet the increase in the
number of blackheads. The number of the blackheads, there-
fore, tends to increase, while the number of their natural enemies
tends to remain constant from season to season, on account of
the water interference (I am now considering the bog as being
winter flowed, but not reflowed at a time to reduce the black-
heads)- When once the infestation has developed beyond the-
ability of the natural enemies of the insect to control it, its in-

crease is very rapid unless artificial aids to these enemies are pro-
vided by man. Theoretically, the escape of two straggler fire-
worms one year mav mean the escape of perhaps fifty the next
year and of perhaps 1200 the third year and of 30.000 the fourth
year, and so on. To be sure, a single season's natural increase
of the natural enemies, in the midst of the very plentiful food
supply present after an infestation has developed to a serious ex-
tent, will probably do a little toward restoring the balance be-
tween the fireworm and its enemies, but, as a rule, this factor
will not be sufficient to make any appreciable difference because
of the shortness of the season in which this increase must be pro-
duced and do its work. It will be remembered, in this connec-
tion, that the fireworm does not usually begin to hatch, in the
spring, until the middle of May, and that the moths of the
second brood appear in late July and early August to lay their
eggs for the following year- Even this short period is consider-
ably reduced, as far as the work of the natural enemies is con-
cerned, by the moth and egg stages which come between the
first and second broods.

As you will see, the point which I have been working tow-
ard, in this discussion of the relations between the "wet bog fire
worm" and its natural enemies is this: Probably the ideal time to
spraii Jbr this insect nith arsenical poisons, especially on the large,
blocky bogs and on bogs which cannot be reflowed in June after
having been winter flowed, is not after an infestation has fully de-
veloped and so threatens vines and crop that the 7ieed Jbr immediate
action is imperative, but is before the infestation starts. In other
words, in treating this pest, try putting a padlock on the Stable
door before the horse is stolen. Cut of? the stragglers and keep
infestation from starting by spraying at the proper time every
year, whether the insect appears to be present or not. When
you spray for the stragglers, your spraying will not need to be as
effective as it would have to be under conditions of bad infesta-
tion, because the natural enemies of the blackhead are capable
of taking care of most, if not all, of the worms which escape
your poison. In spraying for a heavy infestation, if your work is
not extraordinarily thorough and effective, you will, at the best,

leave a far greater number of worms unharmed than their natural
enemies can begin to cope with. // ii quite possible that this
method of trejifmenf irould iiof succeed in pernuinently ivarding off severe
infesfafiofi in all cases, but I feel certain that it would, if properly
carried out, at least postpone such infestation for several 5 ears.

I expect that some of 3'ou will object to this method of
treatment on the ground of expense. This may appear to be a
serious objection, but it may be questioned if it is really a valid
one when we remember that the prevention of the loss of a
single average crop will make up for the expense of four good
spravings each year for a period of ten years. Then, too, I am
coming to believe that there are other entirely sufficient reasons
why most bogs should be spraved several times each year. Our
fungus experiments seem to be indicating a considerable increase
in fruit due to spraying this year, in addition to a distinct im-
provement in the keeping quality of the berries last fall. If we
continue to get the improvement, by fungus spraying, which at
present seems to have been achieved, it will certainly pay to
spray regularly to control fungus diseases and the spraying for the
fireworm may be accomplished at the same time, by mixing Paris
green with the fungus spray, at an additional annual expense of
perhaps three and one-half dollars an acre. I hope to be able to
give more exact and conclusive data in regard to this, particular-
ly concerning the results of fungus spraying, at your next an-
nual meeting.

There is a bog near Fremont which I have been watching
closely, with much interest, for the last six years. It is a winter
flowed bog of about twenty acres and it is blocky in shape, with
no water supply for reflowage. Its conditions for blackhead in-
festation appear to be ideal. This bog has been in bearing for
about twenty years, and it has not been infested, to any extent,
with the fire worm during the last ten years. Fhe same man
has been foreman on this bog for the last thirteen years and, as
it happens, this foreman believes thoroughly in spraying and
has given this bog a thorough spraying with arsenate of lead a-
east once, and sometimes two or three times, in the month of
May every year. As I have watched this bog and studied its
conditions. I have been . compelled to the conclusion that the

only reason for its continued freedom from infestation is that
this regular spraying has aided the natural enemies of the insect
in keeping down the stragglers to such an extent that it has
never been able to get a foothold and start an infestation-

I realize, however, that while you may be more or less in-
terested in this discussion of the prevention of fire worm infesta-
tion, some of you are more desirous of being told how to clean
out a serious and fully developed infestation. To begin with, I
must point out the apparently most serious obstacle met with in
ridding a bog of such an infestation.

The hatching period, especially of the eggs that produce the
first brood, is always extended over a considerable length of time.
The variation, under different conditions, in the length of this
hatching period is very great. On account of this variation, it is
sometimes possible to control a heavy infestation with either a
single good spraying or a single reflowing, properly timed, while
under other conditions neither water nor poison nor water and
poison combined seem to be sufficiently effective to meet the
needs of the occasion. In extreme cases, which are by no means
uncommon, the hatching period is so much prolonged that there
seems to be no time during the year when eggs of either the first
or the second - brood are not present in considerable numbers.
Several factors may contribute in causing this prolongation of the
hatching time, but the chief one seems to be heavy vine gVowth.
A thick vine growth is apparently, in many cases, to a consider-
able extent, both a cause and a natural result of infestation by
this insect. Thick vines seem to so shade the eggs which are
laid on the lower leaves that they develop much more slowly
than do those which, placed on the tops of the vines, are more
exposed to the light and heat of the sun and, apparently as a re-
sult, there seems sometimes to be a difference of as much as five
weeks in the hatching time of the eggs of the same brood. I
have, this season, seen a similar variation in the hatching time of
the "apple tree tent caterpillar," evidently caused in the same
way. I found half-grown caterpillars of that insect on cherry
trees growing under the heavy shade of pines, ^ome time after
the worms of the same species had everywhere finished pupating
on trees growing in the open.

When a serious infestation develops, the repeated prevention
of crop production by the insects' injury, if it is not brought un-
der control, apparently gives the vines a tendency toward wood
growth, which in turn favors the insect.

If a bog is winter flowed and not reflowed at all in the spring
and not sprayed with arsenical poisons, it is as likely to become
infested with this insect with thin vines as with thick ones. If,
however, one or even two sprayings or reflowings are applied at
the time which we have heretofore considered the best for treat-
ing this insect, a thick vine growth appears to be unfavorable to
a successful treatment, apparently principally for the reasons giv-
en above.

In my last year's report to your association, I made the follow-
ing remarks: "For those bogs which are infested with this insect
and are heavily vined and can be reflowed only once, or at best
twice, with a slow (i. e., taking several days to put on and take
of? the water) reflowage, I believe that thinning out the vines by
pruning and heavy sanding will be found to be an essential treat-
ment to accompany anything like satisfactorily successful treat-
ment, either by flooding or spraying. I know that someone will
say that there are bogs which are so determined to produce vines
that it is impossible to thin them out and keep them thin very
long. I can only reply that I believe that such bogs can, in most
cases at least, be satisfactorily thinned and kept thin, if the
water conditions are properly adjusted. This necessary adjust-
ment might be along either or both of the two following distinct
lines: 1. Early withdrawal of winter flowage with no long con-
tinued reflowage. 2. Sufficient drainage."

I still think mcst of this is probably true. There are, however,
apparently other, and perhaps more satisfactory, ways of treating
this insect under such conditions. The most successful treat-
ment with water which, all conditions considered, I have ever
seen was applied on one of the large bogs this season. In this
treatment, the winter flowage was held late, until the 2nd of
June, and then the bog was left without flowage or any special
treatment until the 25th of June, when it was completely re.
flowed for two days. Before this r^flow, the bog was heavily in-

fested, but after it only a very few fire worms were seen through-
out the season. This bog is compact in shape and covers about
150 acres and a considerable portion of it is heavily vined and the
infestation was spread pretty well over it. It seems to me that
the most reasonable explanation of the success of this treatment
is the following :

The water of the winter flowage tended to maintain a<:ondi-
tion of even temperature among the vines on the bog. Because
of its presence there was not the difiference in temperature, be-
tween the tops and bottoms of the vines, especially where they
were thick, that there would have been had they been exposed
to the air as well as to the sun. Under these conditions, all the
fireworm egg^ present were influenced in their development much
more nearly equally by the rising temperature of the spring days
than would have been the case without the water. The eggs
were thus brought nearly to the hatqjiing condition of develop-
ment pretty well together, and then the water was taken off, so
that in this condition thev were at once exposed to the hot
weather of June, which naturally hastened rapidly the remaining
development of all of them. By this means, the hatching was
bunched up and the period of hatching so shortened that, when
the bog was reflowed 23 days after the winter fiowage was let
off, practically all the eggs, on thick vines as well as on thin ones,
had hatched and the insect was in the worm sta!J;e only and con-
sequently in a condition in which it could readily be drowned by
rcHowing.

It is quite possible that this method of treatment would not
always prove as, successful as it did in this case, but it seems to
me that it had in this case a good trial, the results of which may
well be looked upon as significant. I believe that it should be
tried further where seriously infested bogs can be reHowed in
June. Moreover, if rhe reasons given above foi' the success of
this treatment are correct, it seems probable that spraying for a
heavy infestation of this mse'ct would be most successful, if it
were done after first bunching the hatching of the eggs of the
insect by holding the winter flowage late. If this be done, the
spraying should all be done within a week after the flowage is

taken off. / think it advisable to fri/ .inch late holding and spraying
on infi's/cd hogx irhicJi cannot he re flowed in June. As the hatching
period probably cannot be shortened to much less than three
weeks by such late holding of the water, under some conditions
it may be necessary to spray twice.

There is little doubt but that any bog can be freed from this
pest, by treating it as a strictly dry bog for a few years (i. e.,
not flooding it at any time under any conditions) and so allow-
ing the natural enemies of the insect to accumulate against it,
and at the same time, spraying at proper times with arsenical
poisons. As the danger from injury by winter-kill is considerable
under such conditions, however, the grower must consider
whether it is best to take the risk. In my opinion, it is possible,
on small bogs, to clean out a bad infestation by spfaying, without
omitting winter flooding.

Many of you are probably curious to know just what are the
natural enemies of the fire-worm, of which I have spoken so
manv times. There is possibly quite a variety of such enemies,
but spiders (of several different species) and Tachma flies are
evidently the most numerous and useful. Spiders are known to
attack and destroy the worms, and some of the jumping species
have been seen to leap into the air after the millers. The Tach-
ina flies resemble houseflies considerably, in general appearance,
though they are somewhat smaller than those common insects.
Thei' lay the white eggs often seen on fireworms. These eggs
are smooth and may be glued to almost any part of the worm's
body, but are most often found on or near its head. A maggoj
hatches from each of these eggs and, boring its way into the
body of the worm^ lives in its viscera, absorbing nourishment
thert;from. Probably the worms are killed in considerable num-
bers by these maggots.

THE CRANBERRY GIRDLER

(Crambus Hartuellus fiubner)

My season's observations on this insect sustain, in ever\ partic-
ular, the conclusions concerrling it reached in the past two vears.
In regard to control, these conclusions are as follows:

1. A serious infestation by this insect, at least on a' bog of
small or medium size, is almost a certain sign of neglect. On
bogs which are kept well sanded, this insect apparently never
succeeds in getting a foothold. Resanding every other year is
apparently sufficient, on most bogs, to prevent trouble from this
source. Badly infested bogs are invariably bogs on which an ac-
cumulation of old cranberry leaves has been allowed to collect
over the sand under the vines, and usually the worst infestations
are on heavily vined bogs.

2. An infestation may be wiped out either by reflowing for
ten days to two weeks immediately after picking, where water
for such flowage is available, or by resanding the infested area
evenly with an inch of sand sometime between the first of Dec-
ember and the first of the following June, and thus smothering
the insect so that the moths will not emerge, where water for
reflowage is not available. Where such heavy resanding is done
it is usually necessary to carefully rake the tops of the vines up
th,fough the sand so that the buds will not be destroyed.

3. Reflowing a bog every year, foi* a week or ten days right
after picking, is a sure prevention of infestation by this insect.

There are indications that the girdler is. many times, favored
by man's flooding operations in the same way that the "wet bog
fireworm" is favored — i. e.. by the destruction or driving ashore
of its natural enemies. These indications are as follows:

1. Winter flowed bogs, which cannot be reflowed, appear to
be more often seriously infested than do strictly dry bogs.

2. The infestation on such winter flowed bogs seems
usually to appear first near the center of the bog.

3. It seems to be the experience of the managers of some
of the verv large bogs that it is relatively more difficult, other
things being equal, to keep a large bog free from this pest than
it is a small one.

That the girdler should be in the same box with the fire-
worm in this respect, should, perhaps, be expected, as winter
flowage. even if held as late as the middle of May, does not ap-
pear to harm it seriously any more than it harms the eggs of the
fireworm.

I am inclined to the opinion, moreover, that serious infesta-
tion by this insect is common on neglected bogs and very rare on
those which are kept sanded because of the protection from
natural enemies which the accumulated debris on the neglected
bogs afifords the worms of this insect.

OTHER EXPERIMENTS STARTED

In addition to the work already discussed, we have, during
the past year, laid off seven new plots and begun sanding and
picking experiments on them. These experiments may have to
be carried on. and records kept in connection with them, for
several years before we shall be able to report very definite con-
clusions. In the sanding experiments I am comparing the re-
sults of no resanding with those of resanding every year, every
other year and once in three years. In the picking experiments,
I am comparing hand picking with scoop picking, and early
picking with late picking, in their effects on the vines and on
crop production.

RECORD BLANKS

It may interest some of you to know that I have prepared
special blank forms for keeping labor records and general records
for the State Bog. I speak of this matter because I think it pos-
sible that you may wish to keep somewhat similar records for
your bogs. I shall be glad to show my record blanks to anyone
wishing to see them.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association
EXTRACT FROM BY-LAWS

Membership and Dues

Any person interested in promoting cranberry culture, or
any business pertaining thereto, is eligible as a member of the
corporation.

The dues shall be one dollar for a ear, or any fraction there-
of, payable to the quarter on or before the annual meeting.

All candidates for membership shall sign an application
(which must be accompanied by dues of one dollar for the bal-
ance of the year to the next annual meeting) to the Board of
Directors, and, if approved by the directors at any meeting held
for that purpose, or by written approval of at least seven of the
directors, he shall be enrolled as a member.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Grower's Association^ will be
found to be of mutual benefit to all those who are in any way
connected with the industry and all such are urged to become
members. A strong association is necessary for the best inter-
ests of the business, and you should all, who are not now mem-
bers, join at once and help the cause along.

A REPORT of the TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL
FIELD DAY of the CAPE COD CRANBERRY
GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. EAST WAREHAM,
MASS., THURSDAY, AUG. 21, \9\ 3, together with a
REPORT of the STATE EXPERIMENTAL BOG

THE COURIER PRESS

WAREHAM, MASS.

1913

ANNUAL FIELD DAY

The annual field day of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers'
Association was held at the State Experimental Bog at East
Wareham on Thursday, August 21, there being one of the larg-
est attendance in the history of the organization. Most of the
members came in automobiles and as each member was presented
with a banner bearing the letters, "C. C. C. G. A.", the autos
bore a gay appearance upon their return, all flying the flag of the
association.

The meeting was called to order by the president, John C.
Makepeace.

The first business was the nominating of officers for the en-
suing year and the following nominating committee was ap-
pointed: Joshua Crowell, F. F. Marsh, T. P. Bradley. They
retired and after deliberation rendered the following list:

President — John C. Makepeace.

First Vice President— Myron h- Fuller.

Second Vice President — Seth C. C. Finney.

Secretary — Lemuel C. Hall.

Treasurer- — Z. H. Jenkins.

Directors— John C. Makepeace, Colburn C. Wood, Geo.
R. Briggs, Joshua Crowell, Franklin E. Smith, Z. H. Jenkins,
Lemuel C. Hall, Arthur N. Kinney, Franklin F. Marsh, S. N.
Mayo, M. L. Fuller, Seth C. C. Finney.

This list was endorsed by the association, to be elected at
the annual meeting of the corporation to be held later.

Irving C. Hammond, who has filled the office of treasurer
most acceptably for several years, declined to be a candidate for
re-election.

A crop estimate committee was appointed as follows: A. P.
Hamlin, J. T. Hennessy and L. C. Hall.

President Makepeace called the attention of the members
to the national barrel bill and it was voted to endorse Senate

Bill 2269 and to request our senators and representatives to give
their support to the bill.

President Makepeace also spoke on the matter of tariff
changes, but no action was taken.

It was moved by Dr. Marsh that a committee of three be
appointed to draw up suitable resolutions on the death of Abel
D. Makepeace. Franklin E. Smith, Z. H. Jenkins and S. N.
Maj'o were appointed and presented resolutions as follows:

WHEREAS: The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' associa-
tion has lost through the recent decease of Mr, Abel D. Make-
peace, a gentleman long and prominently identified with the
cranberry growing industry and who had deeply at heart its wel-
fare, serving as president of this association for several years:

We gratefully acknowledge his many services to our associa-
tion and to all cranberry growers; that largely through his cour-
age, energy and foresight an agricultural experiment developed
into an important and profitable industry, and the foundations
were laid upon which our business rests:

RESOLVED: That the association does today, at this
most largely attended meeting in its history, express its profound
grief at his decease. Though passing on in the fullness of years
and with a long life of usefulness as his earthly record, his pass-
ing is no less sad. In other walks of life than as our associate,
he reaped the rich reward of the approval of his fellow men, but
in no circle will he be more missed than among us who walked
daily with him.

RESOLVED: That the testimony of our esteem and re-
gard for our late associate be spread upon our records and that a
copy be sent to his family.

ZiBiNiA H. Jenkins,
Samuel N. Mayo,
Franklin E. Smith.

Interesting remarks were made by Prof. W. P. Brooks, di-
rector of the State Experiment Station at Amherst, and addresses
were made by Dr. Stone of Amherst on "Structure of the Cran-
berry"; by Prof. Fred W. Morse on "The fertilizer experiment
on the 'little bogs' at Amherst"; by Prof. C. L. Shear of the U.
S. Department of Agriculture on "Fungus Diseases", and a long
report by Dr. H. J. Franklin upon the work of the State Experi-
mental Bog.

A genuine clambake dinner was served by an experienced
clambakist in a tent upon the grounds. It contained all of the
variety to be found in a first-class clambake and was pronounced
excellent in every way. After the dinner, the members enjoyed
the opportunity of listening to an address by Commodore J, W.
Miller, vice president of the Cape Cod Construction Company,
and directly in charge of the digging of the Cape Cod Canal.
Com. Miller's remarks were very interesting. He told the
people of Cape Cod that the canal is their canal and detailed
some of the benefits that they may expect to derive from it. He
disposed of the difficulties which it had been prophesied would
be encountered by stating that they had all been overcome and
that the current in the canal would be less than five miles per
hour. He said that the digging of the canal would be completed
in July of next year and that it would be ready for traffic in
November.

ANNUAL MEETING

Wareham, Mass., Aug. 27, 1913

The regular twenty-sixth annual meeting of the Cape Cod
Cranberry Growers' Association (Incorporated) was held at the
office of the Wareham Courier on the above, legal notice having
been previously given in due form. On motion duly seconded,
it was voted to proceed with the election of officers for the en-
suing year. A ballot was taken and the following officers were
unanimously chosen:

President — John C. Makepeace, Wareham

First Vice President — Myron L. Fuller Brockton

Second Vice President — Seth C. C. Finney, East Carver

Secretary — Lemuel C. Hall, Wareham

Treasurer — Z. H. Jenkins, West Barnstable

Directors — John C. Makepeace, Wareham; Colburn C.
Wood, Plymouth; Joshua Crowell, East Dennis; Franklin E.
Smith, Boston, Z. H. Jenkins, West Barnstable; Lemuel C.
Hall, Wareham; Arthur N. Kinney, East Harwich; Franklin F.

Marsh, Wareham; S. N. Mayo, J3rookline; M. L. Fuller, Brock-
ton; Seth C. C. Finney, East Carver.

The Treasurer made the following report:

Balance on hand, Aug. 26, 1913 $500.72

Annual dues and fees 113.00

$613.72
Expenses as per vouchers 247.32

Balance on hand, Aug. 26, 1913 $366.40

Received fees and dues 206.00

Received from Dinner Tickets 213.00

Balance $785.40

Respectfully submitted,

IRVING C. HAMMOND, Treasurer.

THE "LITTLE BOGS" AT AMHERST
By PROF. T. W. MORSE

Last year, there vi^as reported to the Cranberry Growers'
Association the results of a year's study of the drainage water
from our tiny experimental bogs, and this year's work has fully
corroborated that of last year; but I will not go into the matter.

Instead, we have the results of our fertilizer experiments to
discuss this year; results which are concordant and logical, al-
though it should be borne in mind that our bogs are very small;
but if we consider them in their relations to one another, rather
than in terms of acres, we can readily obtain some valuable
conclusions.

Each bog is 24 inches in diameter, which gives an area of
3.11 square feet, or, in another form of expression, it takes
14,000 to make an acre. Therefore, multiplying results on each
of these bogs by 14,000 would give the yield for an acre of like
quality of bog; but such calculations are not of much account,

unless they be made from averages obtained from several bogs.

The experimental bogs bore their first crop of berries last
fall, which was picked September 16.

On comparing the unfertilized bogs with the fertilized bogs,
it was found that the former were decidedly inferior to the latter.
Twenty-seven bogs were in the comparison, of which 20 were
fertilized and 7 were not. Of the 20 receiving fertilizer, only 3
bore smaller crops than the average of the unfertilized bogs,
while only one of the unfertilized bogs had more berries than the
average of the fertilized bogs. Therefore, we can consider the
averages of the results as strong evidence of the value of fer-
tilizers in available form, applied in moderate quantity.

We used chemicals at the rate per acre as follows:

100 lbs. nitrate of soda, 400 lbs. acid phosphate, and 200
lbs. H. G. sulphate of potash.

In grouping the bogs according to the fertilizer employed, it
was found that where potash predominated, there was the heavi-
est yield, while nitrate and acid phosphate were about alike and
considerably less effective. The average were calculated to acre
yields merely to see what they would show.

The unfertilized bogs yielded 12 4-5 barrels per acre, while
the potash fertilizers produced 23 4-5 barrels, or 85 per cent more
than the unfertilized bogs, and the other fertilizers gave results
about midway or 45 per cent more than the unfertilized.

The vines were severely pruned in October, and will have
to be even more thoroughly cut out this fall. Originally, there
were about twice as many cuttings inserted as one would plant
on an equal area of a large bog, hence the vine growth is very
dense, while the runners spread over and down the outside of
the tiles.

The prunings were dried and weighed as taken from each
bog. since such weights would give some idea of the relative vine
growth of different plots. By this crude method, the vines were
shown to have grown least on the unfertilized bogs and most on
the bogs receiving nitrate of soda.

Potash was the least effective on vine growth, increasing it
only about 5 per cent, while nitrate increased it an average of 15
per cent, with phosphoric acid midway between.

It is too early to formulate a fertilizer for cranberries; but
these results are logical when considered along with other fruit
experiments. We should expect to see nitrate of soda increase
vine growth, and every peach or apple grower aims to have a
liberal supply of potash in his orchard soil, while peat and sand
are notably lacking in this substance.

The use of lime on cranberry bogs is receiving careful at-
tention, partly because it, too, is noticeably scarce in peat and
sand, and partly because cranberries and other plants of the genus
are said by some to be positively injured or hindered in their
growth when lime is added to the soil in which they grow. I
have had an additional reason because of the question put to me
last year at the meeting, regarding mail. The argument of the
gentleman at the time was logical, but there was a possibility
that the premises on which it was based were incorrect. Lime
undoubtedly is advantageous to apples and many tree and bush
fruits. Our experiments do not show it to be necessary for cran-
berries, nor yet is it injurious.

At the bog of the Wisconsin Experiment station it proved
injurious, but in this case 500 pounds air-slaked lime were used
on 8 square rods or 1-20 of an acre, which is at the rate of 5 tons
per acre. The lime was applied in the early summer of 1904,
and during that season the vines continued to look as well as on
adjacent areas without lime; but the next season the limed vines
retained their red color throughout the season, showed no growth
and many vines died, instead of taking on the fresh green color
of new growth to be noted on the unlimed bog surrounding it.

Two years ago we added hydrated lime at the rate of 2000
pounds per acre to two of our little bogs, in addition to the com-
plete fertilizer of nitrate of soda, acid phosphate and potash salts.
Last fall these two bogs had only three bogs surpassing them in
fruit yield, but sereral exceeding them in vine growth.

Therefore, it can be safely affirmed that in this case lime has
neither helped nor hurt the plants. Last fall three more bogs
were dressed with lime at the same rate, and the two first men-
tioned had a second application this spring.

From the nature of the soils in which cranberries naturally
thrive, a'nd from some experiments with both carbonate of lime

-and hydrate of lime on bog water, I doubt if we establish any
economic value to a dressing of lime on cranberry bogs. But the
weight of evidence is steadily growing in favor of small dressings
of chemical fertilizers for cranberries, when used at the right
time.

It has required even more water this year than last and the
average amount of water added to date will slightly exceed 8
-inches in depth on the bog.

The tiles in which the water moved most freely showed the
most vigorous growth of vines on the bogs, and the tiles which
required most water this summer also gave up the most water in
the spring when drained. Therefore, I feel justified in saying
that free movement of water in a cranberry soil is a factor in vine
development.

CRANBERRY SPRAYING EXPERIMENTS IN
MASSACHUSETTS IN 1912

By DR. C. L. SHEAR, Pathologist, Bureau of Plant Industry

The following brief report of the co-operative cranberry
spraying experiments of the Massachusetts Experiment station
and the Department of Agriculture may be of some interest to
the growers.

These experiments include spraying done under our direc-
tion on Early Blacks on Nantucket, and also the experiments
carried out by Dr. Franklin on the State bog at East Wareham.
The plots sprayed on NantucketwereEarly Blacks which hadrotted
badly the previous season. The plants were sprayed with Bor-
deaux mixture five times during the season. The results when
inspected by Dr. Franklin and myself just before picking were
very striking and successful. In order to determine exactly the
benefit from spraying, boxes of sprayed and unsprayed berries were
shipped to Washington just as they came from the bog. They
were received on September 26 and immediately carefully sorted
by hand to determine the percentage of sound and diseased fruit
in the sprayed and unsprayed lots. As a result, it was found

that 11.5 per cent of the sprayed fruit was diseased. In case of
the unsprayed fruit, which consisted of Howes, grown immedi-
ately adjoining the Early Blacks and rotting equally bad at the
time of our visit, there was 38.3 per cent afifected; in other
words, over three times as much of the unsprayed fruit was de-
stroyed by disease as of the sprayed fruit. The actual loss from
disease in the case of the unsprayed fruit was not fully indicated
by the examination of the picked fruit as some of the fruit was
destroyed by blast while young.

These results are all that could be expected from the first
season's spraying. The sound fruit from both the sprayed and
unsprayed lots was kept in ordinary storage after sorting until'
February when it was all sorted again. As the fruit had been
kept so long in rather unfavorable conditions, that is, at ordinary
room temperature, the greater part of the fruit had become
softened; that from the sprayed plot gave 20 per cent of sound
berries; that from the check plot only 7 percent. The develop-
ment of rot in storage as well as on the bog was about three
times as great in the unsprayed as in the sprayed fruit.

The spraying experiments. at the State bog were carried on
in practically the same manner as in 1911, and the results are
due to Dr. Franklin's careful supervision and carrying out of the
work. Five plots were sprayed; two applications of Bordeaux
mixture were made, June 28 to 29, and July 17 to 18, using the
4-3-2-50 formula. A third application was made August 5 to 6,.
with neutral copper acetate, 1 pound to 50 gallons of water, and
2 pounds of resin fish oil soap. The fruit of the different va-
rieties and the different checks was picked on the same date in.
September. There was very little rot on either sprayed or un--
sprayed fruit during the season. The main purpose of this ex-
periment has been to determine the effect of spraying upon the
yield and keeping qualities of the fruit. The results in increased:
fruit production were as follows:

Plot A— Howes, sprayed, produced 167 per cent more fruit

than check plot 1, and 125 per cent more fruit than check plor

2, or 146 per cent more than the average of both unsprayed plots-

Plot C — Howes, gave 76 per cent more fruit than check.

plot 1; 98 per cent more fruit than check plot 2 and 87 per cent
more than the average of both unsprayed plots.

Plot B — McFarlin's, gave 45 per cent more fruit than the
unsprayed check.

Plot D — Early Blacks, gave 47 2-3 per cent more fruit than
the check.

Plot E — Early Blacks, gave 55 per cent more fruit than
either of two unsprayed check plots.

It will be noticed that there was from two to three times as
much increase in production in the case of the Howe variety as.
in the other varieties. This is thought to be due in great part
to the prevention of injury by a rather new fungus disease for
which Dr. Franklin has suggested the name "blossom end rot."
This disease appears to attack Howe berries more severely than
other varieties. The organism causing this disease has been
isolated and studied for so:Tie time bat its identity has not yet
been positively determined. It appears to be an undescnbed
fungus.

The sprayed and unsprayed fruit was run through a separa"
tor, partly October 3 and partly October II, and kept in the
basement of the screen house until December 16, when it was
all hand screened to determine the loss in storage. The Howes
from Plot A, sprayed showed 122 per cent of decayed fruit at this
time, while those from the unsprayed check showed 25 per cent.
The other lot of Howes from Plot C, showed 10 per cent loss
on the sprayed and 21 per cent on the unsprayed. Plot B, Mc-
Farlins, showed 21 per cent loss on the sprayed and 33 per cent
on the unsprayed; Plot D, Early Blacks, gave 15.6 per cent loss
on the spraved, and 18 per cent on the unsprayed; Early Blacks,.
Plot E, gave 18.4 per cent loss on the sprayed and 22i per cent
on the unsprayed.

Dr. Franklin made a careful examination of each berry in
small quantities of the diseased fruit and found that "blossom
end rot" seemed to be the principal cause of injury.

The great increase in production on the sprayed plots is very
striking and in contrast with the results of the previous year's ex-
periments in which the production in general was less on the

-Sprayed than the unsprayed plots. The improvement in the
keeping qualities of the fruit, however, has been pronounced in
both cases. This year's experiment, according to present indica-
tion, vv'ill not show such an increase in fruit production, except
on plots to which fertilizers were also added. This opens up an-
other problem which must be taken up. It has for some time
been generally known to pathologists that certain plants, e. g.,
potatoes, though apparently free from disease, show a decided in-
crease in yield when sprayed. Bordeaux mixture seems to have
a stimulating effect upon certain plants, at least. The exact
manner in which the effect is produced is not yet well understood.
These results emphasize the necessity of a rather long continued
series of experiments before reliable conclusions can be drawn.
With the excellent facilities available at the cranberry station, it
is hoped that some of these problems may be solved.

Whether spraying will be profitable in any individual case
must be determined by experiment. The grower should find
out exactly what percentage of his fruit is soft or diseased when
picked and when prepared for market, and also, if possible, in
what condition it reaches the market. We are supposing in this
case that the condition of the particular bog is favorable for the
normal production of fruit. Spraying will not insure a crop of
fruit on vines that are overgrown and matted, or stunted or
starved, or otherwise abnormal for want of proper nutriment or
moisture conditions. Spraying is primarily to prevent fungus
diseases which may attack plants under normal conditions of
growth, but usually attack them more severely under abnormal
conditions. Bordeaux mixture properly applied not only pre-
vents the rot or softening of berries which develops before pick-
ing, but also much of that which would otherwise develop in
storage and transportation. It also apparently, in the case of the
cranberry, stimulates in some way the vital activities of the plant.
As there are frequent inquiries from cranberry growers for infor-
mation regarding the preparation and application of Bordeaux
mixture, it may not be out of place to insert it here.

Formula No. 1 — For fungus diseases only: 50 gallons of
"water, 4 pounds copper sulfate, 3 pounds fresh quick lime, 2
pounds resin fish oil soap.

Formula No. 2 —For both fungi and insects: 50 gallons of
water, 4 pounds copper sulfate, 5 pounds fresh quick lime, 1
pound paris green or 5 pounds arsenate of lead, 2 pounds resin
fish oil soap.

Formula No. 3 — Non-staining fungicide: 50 gallons of water,
1 pound neutral copper acetate, 2 pounds resin fish oil soap.

The most convenient method of preparing the mixtures is
to make up separate stock solutions of the copper sulfate and
lime. Ordinarily a 50-galIon barrel will be large enough for
each. Where large quantities of spray material are being used,
larger receptacles may be desirable. Place 100 pounds of copper
sulfate in a burlap sack, hang it as near the top of the barrel as
possible; then fill the barrel with water. This will ordinarily
dissolve in 12 to 14 hours, or over night, giving a solution con-
taining 2 pounds of copper sulfate to each gallon. Slack 100
pounds of fresh stone lime in the other barrel and fill with water.
This, when thoroughly stirred, will contain 2 pounds of lime to
each gallon of water.

To make 50 gallons of Bordeaux mixture, take li gallons
from the stock lime barrel, after stirring thoroughly; pour it
through a brass wire cloth strainer into the spray barrel and dilute
to 15 or 20 gallons with water. Take 2 gallons of the copper
sulfate solution from the stock barrel, which will be the equiva-
lent of 4 pounds of bluestone; dilute this to 15 or 20 gallons, and
pour through the strainer into the hme solution already in the
spray barrel, agitating the whole at the same time. It has been
found by recent investigations that it is not particularly important
whether the bluestone solution is poured into the lime solution,
or vice versa, so long as both are in a rather dilute form. Thor-
ough agitation is the essential part of the preparation of a good
mixture.

But 50 pounds of blue stone andlime may be used for the
stock solutions, if considered more convenient, in which case, of
course, one gallon of the stock solution of either would contain
one pound of copper sulfate or lime.

Next mix thoroughly two pounds of resin fish oil soap in at
least 10 gallons of water. Stir until the soap is all dissolved;
otherwise it is likely to cause trouble by clogging the strainer

and nozzle. Then strain the soap solution into the copper sul-
fate and lime mixture. Stir thoroughly and fill up to 50 gallons
with water. In preparing a mixture for a spray tank which
holds 100, 150, or more gallons, the quantity of material taken
from the stock solutions must be proportionately greater, of
course. In preparing Formula No. 2, the paris green or arsenate
of lead should be dissolved in water and added after the other in-
gredients (with the exception of the resin fish oil soap, which
should always be added last) have been mixed. The agitator in
the spray tank should be kept in operation, while the ingredients
are being mixed. This will insure a good mixture and help to
prevent clogging of the nozzles. All ingredients should be
strained through a brass wire cloth sieve, not less than 20 to 25
meshes to the inch.

It is impossible to give exact dates for spraying, especially
where both insect and fungus diseases are being combated. In
this case, the insects must be given first consideration, as a slight
variation in date does not, so far as we know, materially afifect
the efficiency of the fungicide.

According to Dr. Franklin, the first spraying with the com-
bination spray should be applied under ordinary conditions, pre-
vailing in Massachusetts about the 15th of May; the second just
before the blossoms open, and the third when the blossoms be-
gin to drop, or within two weeks from the second; the fourth,
ten days to two weeks later. If the fruit has rotted badly in
previous years, a fifth application should be made within two
weeks, using formula No. 3. Ordinarily, four thorough spray-
ings should be sufficient to give satisfactory results. The quan-
tity of material to be used per acre will necessarily vary, accord-
ing to the condition of the vines. In case of a thick, heavy
growth, 200 gallons may be necessary to cover the plants
thoroughly. Where the growth is thin, the vines short, 150
gallons may be sufficient for one application.

Oa-nberry Acreage of the United States According to the
Last Federal Census

-2-

New Jersey . 9030 acres

Massachusetts d577

Wisconsin 1689

Long Island 277

Pacific Coast ' 72

Michigan .^_202_-

Total crop of the principal states, viz.:

MASS.

NEW JERSEY

WISCONSIN

GRAND TOTAI

1901- 2

240,000

105,000

40,000

385,000

1902- 3

215,000

30,000

46,000 ■

291,000

1903- 4

204,000

168,000

18,000

390,000

1904- 5

226,000

83,000

21,000

330,000

1905- 6

146,000

88,000

18,000

253,000

1906- 7

240,000

103,000

45,000

388,000

1907- 8

284,238

121,000

21.000

426,238

1908- 9

229,860

75,000

12,000

316,860

1909-10

372,835

165,000

30,000

567,835

1910-11

287,046

241,000

16,000

544,046

1911-12

273,120

143,000

30,000

446,120

1912-13

317,605

112,000

45,000

474,605

This does not include cranberries that were not shipped
over railroad and used for evaporating purposes.

The Cape Co J Cranberry Growers' Association

EXTRACT FROM BY-LAWS

Membership and Dues

Any person interested in promoting cranberry culture, or
any business pertaining thereto, is ehgible as a member of the
corporation.

The dues shall be one dollar for a year, or any fraction there-
of, payable to the quarter on or before the annual meeting.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association will be
found to be of mutual benefit to all those who are in any way
connected with the industry and all such are urged to become
members. A strong association is necessary for the best inter-
ests of the business, and you should all, who are not now mem-
bers, join at once and help the cause along. Dues and applica-
tion fees should be sent to the treasurer.

STATE BOG REPORT
B^ H. J. FRANKLIN

j\lr. President aiul ^ienibers of the Cape Cod Clraiiberry
Growers Association :

Since the hist annual meeting- of this Association, we
have conducted investigations principally along the six fol-
loAving lines :

Weather observations, frost protection, fungous diseases^
fertilizers, insects and bee experiments.

We have also worked someAvhat on weeds and varieties
and along some other lines, but the results have not. tlius
far. been of sut^cient imj^ortance to call for a discussiini of
thou at this time.

I will discuss our investigations under their different
heads, as I have mentioiu'd them to you.

WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

We have made out record blanks for keeping on a single
sheet a record of all the important phenomena observed on
every frosty night during the cranberry-growing season. On
these blanks space has been left for keeping a record of the
minimum temperatures at fifteen stations (bogs), besides the
State bog. It is also planned to note, as a part of this record,
the amount of injury (estimated on the Cape and in NeA\-
Jersey. caused by each severe frost. It is hoped th.it by
keeping such a record we may be able, in time, from the
mass of data, thus condensed, to understand the frost
weather conditions better, and to make more sati.sfactory
predictions. Only a few of the stations for observing the
minimum tonperatures. which we want to get for this
record, have, as yet. been established, but we hope, in the

course of auotiier season, to get thennometers placed and to
begin to take a fairly representative lot of minimum tejnpera-
ture observations for the entire Cape.

We have also been making a study of the barometric
changes and their influence on frost conditions, botii as in-
dicated by the weather map and as shown by the action of
the barometer itself. We have learned a great many things
from this study which we have not appreciated heretofore. I
can now, as a rule, tell fairly well from the action ox the
barometer during the middle of the day, what to expect it
■vVill do, in a general way, during the following night, and the
barometric changes are, of course, the very best indicators of
"weather changes. I have learned from a study of the weather
map that the high barometric waves are as a rule most
dangerous when they extend both far to the north and far to
the south, without any low wave on the Atlantic sea board
to the south of us. One of the great uncertainties about the
barometric action, as far as the weather map is' concerned, is
•caused by the occasional more rapid deepening of the Low
wave, in or around the upper St. Lawrence valley, than is
offset by the advance of the high wave, the general result
being a fall in the barometer in an important section where
a rise would, as a rule, be expected. This fall of the
barometer in the North-east often causes the wind to keep
up all night when all other conditions would lead a fore-
caster to expect almost a dead calm. There seems to be no
way of figuring on this action of the barometric waves ex-
cept by more extensive observations of conditions in the east-
ern provinces of Canada than are at present carried out by
the weather bureau. I understand that the officials of the
weather bureau are planning to take special barometric ob-
servations in that section in order to forecast our frost con-
ditions more accurately. Another factor which isipuz^lhig me
is the occasional occurrence of cloudiness on mornings when,
from every weather condition known to me, no cloudiness
would naturally be expected. It seems quite possible that we
ma's' not be able to understand fullv the causes •'' such

cloudiness without a study of the conditions of the atmos-
l)hore. This is, of course, a very important matter, for the
presence of clouds always makes a difference of several de-
grees in the temperature of a cold morning.

There seems to have been ,this year, a general increase
in confidenc.e. on the part of the groAvers. in the forecasts
sent us from Boston by the weather-bureau. It is my belief
that this increased confidence is fully justified, for it has
seemed to me that the forecasts have been much more
accurate this season.

FROST PROTECTION.

I have been giving careful consideration to the different
possible methods of frost protection where water is not
available for use in the usual ways and have tested the Skin-
ner system and orchard heaters to a considerable extent, and
I Avill give you, in a general way, the results of my experience
in these matters.

While the Skinner system seems to be entirely sat-
isfactory for irrigation in truck gardens, I do not feel that
it is a practicable system to apply to a cranberry bog. The
first great objection to its use on the bogs is its expense. If
a pump and engine of sufficient capacity to maintain a spray
on all parts of a bog throughout a frosty night were installed,
the expense of the pump would be so great that the total ex-
pense would probably never be less than two hundred and
fifty dollars an acre. Moreover, I find that it is extremely
difficult to keep sand and other clogging material completely
out of the pipes, and, by consulting market gardeners of
large experience, I have learned that the Skinner pipe
strainers are not completely effective anywhere, in keeping
the water strained. It is, of course, possible in marlcet
gardens to go about and clean out the little nozzles, when
they get plugged, without walking on the crops or doing any
considerable injury. On a cranberry bog. however, the
clogging of the nozzles would be a much more serious
matter, as their cleaning out would necessitate walking on
the vines more or less.

You will see, therefore, that the objeetions to the use of
this system for frost protection on cranberry bogs are well
nigh insuperable.

It occurred to nie that it might he possible to use the
Skinner system with a pump of sufficient capacity to feed
only one line of piping at a time, by allowing the vini's to
freeze, and then drawing out the frost before sou rise by
sprinkling cold M-ater over them, I tried this, however, on a
small scale, with a spray-ing outfit, and the results seemed to
be far from satisfactory, for the sprayed areas afterward ap-
peared to show distinctly more injury than did the surround-
ing unsprayed portions of the bog.

As the matter noAV stands, therefore, I do not feel at all
enthusiastic about the use of the Skinner system for this j^ur-
pose.

There are, as I stated in my rep(n't of last year, other
sprinkling systems intended to do the same work as the
Skinner system. Some of these are free from the plugging
trouble experienced with the Skinner system, but they seem
to be even more objectionabl(\ from the standpoint of ex-
pense, than is that system.

On the tAventj^-second of last December and the tirst
of last January, two-night tests were carried out at the
State bog with sixty-five three-gallon Hamilton Reservoir
orchard heaters. These tests showed that it is possible to
raise the temperature sufficient!}'' to protect a cranberry bog
from frost by means of these heaters, but the expense con-
nected with their use seems to be so great that this method
of protection cannot be considered practicable with fuel oil
at the present price.

In the first of these tests, the heaters were used at the
rate of one hruidred and twenty to the acre. When used at
this rate, with the thermometers placed at the center of the
heated area at the top of the vines, at a distance of twelve
feet from the nearest heater, and with the covers of the
heaters drawn back eleven inches, it Avas found j^ossible to
raise the temperature, as shown by compariso)! Avith a

theniiometer placed entirely outside of the heated area and
on its windward side, from ISi/o to Siy^ degrees F., the wind
velocity at the time being about four miles per hour.

The temperature at the center of the heated area at the
top of the vines Avas maintained for thirty minutes at from
29 to 311/2 degrees F., while the outside temperature ranged
from 15 to 16 degrees F. The thermometers just inside the
outer line of heaters, during this time, ranged from 27 to 28
degrees F.

Between 10:00 and 10:15 P. M., the heater covers were
from 30 to 31. and the outside temperature being 261/2 de-
grees F.

We ran the heaters until 3:00 A. M., and took records
every hour. It seems unnecessary, however, to give more of
the records here, as the 2 :45 A. M. records shoAV the condi-
tions, as they existed from 11:30 P. M. to 2:45 A. M. fairly
well. The effective burning time was about six hours. This
was an extreme test, to find out what could be done with a
larger number of heaters than would ever be used on account
of expense. Tn the test carried out on the night of January
1st. the heaters were used at the rate of sixty to the acre.
When they Avere closed up to the second hole (i. e.. when
open about two inches), where they would have to burn, if
they were run long enough to protect from frost for several
closed from eleven inches to about two inches. The wind
gradually increased during the night, the velocity at 2:45
A. M. being from 15 to 20 miles per hour, the center tempera-
ture, at that time, being 32. the margin temperatures ranging
hours, the differences in temperature shown by the ther-
mometers inside and outside of the heated area (the outside
thermometer was placed one hundred and twenty-five feet
from the heated area and on its windward side, at the top
of the vines), were veiw slight, some of the time being
almost imperceptible, the wind velocity at the time being
about four miles an hour.

It was evident from this test that sixty heat(M's to the
acre are not enough for satisfactory frost ]irotection. Judg-

ing from the records of the two tests, it seems eertam that it
wonld take not less than ninety heaters of the Ilamiltoi:
make to protect a cranberry bog from frost. As it takes
three gallons of fuel oil to run each heater for a whole night,
it Avould probably take about two hundred and seventy
gallons of oil per acre per night. With oil at the ]»rice
quoted to me by the Xew York office of the Standard Oil
Company soon after these tests were made, the cost of this
oil alone, without considering the labor involved, for one
acre, for one night's protection, would he about .^18.60. As
there are usually at least three or four bad frost nights dur-
ing a season, the cost of the oil, without considering the labor
at all, is practically ]n'ohibitory, or, at all events, is so g]'eat
as to make this method of frost protection a very unsatis-
factory one.

There is another factor which would cause most cranberry
growers to shun this method of protection. There is, as we
discovered in our last test, a considerable danger of setting
a bog afire with these heaters. Besides all this, we found it
practically impossible to use these heaters without killing a
good many vines by spilling oil.

The heaters used in these tests were loaned to the cran-
berry station by the Hamilton Orchard Heater Company,
through the courtesy of its local agent, Mr. Chester D.
Holmes of Plymouth, JNIass.

These heaters were selected for the test only after a
careful study of the characteristics of the other heaters on
the market at the time had lead me to believe that, if any
such heater would serve the purpose, this make of heater
could probably be relied upon to do it. It became evident,
at an early stage in the investigation, that the round and
taller kinds of heaters would not serve the purpose satis-
factorily because the bnrning surface of the oil would with
them, be higher above the vines than it Avould be with the
Hamilton heater and because they seemed mudi more liabh^
to overturning.

There are yet other possible methods of frost protection

for cranberry hogs wli'cli luive not yet been tried. It may be
possible to cause the frost to be drawn out slowly fron\
the vines, after a frost, by screening off the sun for the first
two or tlu'ee hours of the morning. This screening could,
perhaps, be accomplished by a curtain of smoke as cheaply
and easily as in any way. This method of protection is sug-
gested by the well l^iiowu fact that the injur.v. caused by
freezing in both plant and animal tissues, is due more to the
sudden Avithdrawal of the frost from the tissues than to the
formation of the frost in them. I think, also, that nearly
every one. who has thought of the matter, has recognized
the possibility of protecting a bog from frost by covering it
over with cloth. This, of couree. is a rather expensive treat-
ment, but it has the probable advantage of being entirely
effective. However. I have come to believe that, as a general
proposition, it is unwise to attempt any special frost treat-
ment on dry bogs, because of the peculiar conditions and
difficulties otherAvise associated Avith such bogs. The only
kind of bogs for which I would suggest any special treatnu^ut
along this line are those which are winter flowed, but can-
not be re-flowed to any extent.

It seems to me that the managers and owners of most
bogs, which have poor frost protection, have, as a rule, over-
looked the method of protection which, though not perfect,
is. nevertheless, nmny times very effective, and which can
be applied Avith relatively small cost, namely, that of keeping
the bog well sanded. It has been shown by the Wiseons'n
station and by the experiments carried out by Prof. 11. J.
Cox for the Tnited States Weather Bureau that there is a
protection aga'nst several degrees of frost to be liad by
keeping a bog well sanded. .Many of the growers of the
Cape have come to realize this from general experience, and,
on tAvo or three occasions this last spring. I saAV most strik-
ing exam|>]cs of the efficiency of saiul in this direction, i
feel certain that a A'ery considerable percentage of the rVine
cra)iberrv losses from frost could be saved by a more uen-
ei-;)l uiulerstanding and application of this principle of re-
saTuling for ]u-oteet!on.

FCNGOUS DISEASES.

Dr. Sliecir has already giveu you. in a general way. tlie
results of our experiments for the control of cranberry
fungous diseases carried out last season. I need not. there-
fore, go into them fully here.

I wish, however, to call your attention particularly to
the new disease which we have discovered and found to be
affecting most seriously the Late Howe variety. As Dr. Shear
has already told you, we are tentatively calling this disease
the "Blossom End Rot." He has already told you of tlu- ef-
fects of spraying on this disease. It was, last season, evidently
a serious factor in reducing the Late Howe crop on the State
bog. I am anxious to know hoAv general this disease is in its
attack on this variety. Some definite knowledge concerning
its distribution and severity on different parts of the < 'ape
seems essential to wise recommendations concerning its
treatment.

I am planning to make a survey this fall for the purpose
of obtaining information concerning this. If the growers
present will send me samples of berries of this variety fi'om
their various bogs, they will be of great assistance in for-
warding our knowledge of this disease.

After the harvesting of the crop on our fungous plots
last fall, it Avas noticed that the increase in quantity of fruit
on the McFarliu plot was accompanied by a much more light
colored and sickly appearance to the foliage than was
shown by the vines of the check. The contrast between the
sprayed and unsprayed vines, in this respect, was noticcible
by the first of September and very marked after the crop
was picked, being plainly evident to the eye from a long dis-
tance. A redder and more sickly color was also distinctly
evident on the two Early Black plots, as compared witii the
surrounding unsprayed vines, but the contirast was not nearly
so marked as with the ]\IcP^arlin plot. No such difference
Avas apparent on the Late HoAve vines, possibly because it
■\vas hidden by the naturally very dark color of their foliage.
The i\[cFarlin and Earh' Black vines seemed to shoAV that

there was not sut'fieieiit available plant food present to main-
tain a strong vine condition and at the same time develop
the extra amount of fruit which the reduction of fungous
■diseases caused by the spraying, had made possible.

Whether this was the real cause for the differences in
appearance noted between the sprayed and unsprayed vines,
.or whether the spraying had done the bog injury in some
way and so caused an unthrifty appearance. I do not know.
It may be sufficient for the present to say that, after pick'-
ing last fall, the appearance of the sprayed vines of the
Early Black and McFarlin varieties gave the impression that
they probably would not bear as heavy a crop this season
as the surrounding unsprayed vines.

This season, these plots have all been sprayed again
with Bordeaux mixture, used in the same way as last year,
but a greater number of times, plots A and C (Late Howe
Plots) being sprayed with the Bordeaux on June oth. June
17th, June 28th and July 19th. and with neutral copper
acetate on August 7th.

Plot B (]\IcFarlin plot) was sprayed with Bordeaux
mixture on June 6th. June 18th and July 21st.

Plots D and E (Early Black plots) were sprayed with
Bordeaux mixture on .June 6th. Jvuu' ISth. Jidy 11th. and
July 22nd.

All these plots at the present time, show a much ligliter
crop than do the inisprayed vines, precisely as their appear-
ance last fall suggested they would.

On June 28th. the middle half of Plot A was fertilized.
a quarter of the plot on each side being left without fertilizer,
the fertilizer being used on the middle portion at the fol-
lowing rate: Nitrate of soda .two hundred pounds per acre;
acid phorsphate, four hundred pounds per acre; high grade
sulphate of potash, two hundred pounds per acre. At the
l)resent time, this fertilized middle portion of the plot shows
a very much heavier crop than do the unfertilized side por-
tions. This is particularly interesting because on June 28th„
when tlie fertilizer was applied, the vines were going out of

bloom, and there was no rain to speak of. to dissolve the
fertilizer and wash it into the soil, for several days after it
was applied, and it is the first time that 1 have Isnown fer-
tilizers to cause a marked increase in th.e amount of fruit on
a cranberry bog in the first season a|)plied. This is sug-
gestive in several ways. In the first place, it seems to indi-
cate that spraying alone will not cause and maintain vn in-
creased fruiting. It looks as though vines Avhich have borne
a larger crop, due to freedom from fungous disease brought
about by spraying, need an extra supply of plant food the
following year in order to maintain the.'r vigor and hold their
own in fruiting with unsprayed vines.

The results of this fertilizing and spraying may ptM'haps
also be taken to indicate that fertilizers will do their best
work in driving fruit production only when the vines are
comparatively free from fungous disease. They also suggest
the possibility that there is a best time for applying fert'l-
izers in order to get the best fruiting, perhaps at about the
blossoming period. I have, this season, seen on some other
bogs a rather marked increase in fruit production following
the application of fertilizers, rich in nitrates during the blos-
soming period, the fertilizer being applied for the first time
this season. There seems to be much yet to be learned ahnig
these lines by further experimenting. An unexpected result
of the spraying, noticed on these ])lots this season, Avas the
killing of the wood moss. This moss is ccnnpletely killed
out on every one of these plots, wh'le on the general bog
surrounding some of them, it is jn-esent in considerable
abundance and very much alive up to the very edge t)L' the
plot.

We have, this season, also started thrt'c new fungous
plots. One of these Ave have sju-ayed Avith lime-suljilMir solu-
tion made from Frost's poAvdered lime-sulphnr. The spray-
ing on this plot Avas done o]i June 7th. June 18th. June 28tb.
July 21st. and August 7th. At the present time, there ajv
pears to be distinctly less fruit on this sprayed ]>lot thnti on
the surrounding bogs.

Another new plot Avas sprayed with Bordeaux mixture
on June 7th. June 17th. June 2Sth, July 21st, and with neu-
tral copper acetate on August 7th. This plot also now seems
to have less fruit than the surrounding bog.

One-half of the fertilizer plot which has up to this time
been treated the most heavily with nitrate of soda was also
sprayed this season, for the first time, with Bordeaux mix-
ture, this fungicide being applied on June 6th. Jinie 1 7th.
July 11th. and July 21st, and neutral copper acetate l)eiiig
used on August 7th. This third new plot also noAv has a dis-
tinctly smaller amomit of fruit than does the rest of the
fertilizer plot of which it is a pai-t.

This general falling ofif of the fruiting on the new plots,
as well as on the old ones, suggests that a distinct injury
was caused by the spraying in some way. and it seems to me
probable that this injury was done by spraying iu the bloom.
This is a point concerning which v,-e are nnich iu need of
light, and calling for further investigation.

In Jiine. I began some tests looking for a possible new
and more convenient method of control of the fungous dis-
eases on cranberry bogs, namely, that of putting chemicals
in the tlowage. The chemical used was copper sulphate. This
seemed by far the most promising chemical for this pni'pose.
as it had been so extensively tried in the treatment of Avater
organisms — bacteria, and more especially algae — and had
been found to possess peculiar toxic properties not present
with salts without copper in their composition. The cheuiicals
were put in the water on our flooding sections here at the
State bog. the strengths of the copper sulphate tried iieing
one part to fifty thousand parts of water (one ])ound in
six thousand tAvo hundred and fifty gallons) on Secticnis 2'P,
and 25 and one part to one hundred thousand parts of Avater
(about one pound in tAvelve thousand five hundred gallons)
on Section 27. The eop})er sul])hate Avas first dissol\"ed in
pails of Avater. and the solutions Avere distributed as eA-enly
as possible, in the floAvage of these sections, by throwing
them into the fioAvage by the cupful.

This treatiaeiit Avns Mpplied to these sections on June
3r(l and again on June loth.

On Section 23 each treatment Avas continued al)out
t^venty-three hours. On Section 25, the treatment was con-
tinned for eleven hours and was applied after twelve and
one-half hours of flooding, without treatment. On Section 27,
the duration of the treatment was about eleven hour's and. as
with Section 25, followed twelve and one-half hours of flood-
ing without treatment. When the first treatment was a{)-
plied to these sections, the blossom buds were well developed
and prominent, and, when the sec(Hid treatment was applied,
they were approaching near to blooming, there being here
and there a blossom already opened. The treatment did not
appear to affect injuriously the buds on Sections 25 and 27
in any way. Some of those on Section 23, however. Avere
spotted slightly, showing that the solution used had probably
been fully as strong as was desirable.

The strength of the solution used on Section 23 Avas
recommended to me by Dr. Shear, as the result of laboratory
experiments which he had conducted. Unfortunately, span-
Avorms worked seriously on Section 23 and reduced the crop
to such an extent as to destroy the results of the experiment,
as far as the amount of the fruit might give any evidence
concerning the beneficial effect obtained from the treatment.
That section, at the present time, evidently has less fruit than
liaA^e the untreated flooding sections.

Sections 25 and 27 do not appear to show any increase.
We shall haA^e to Avait until harvest time before Ave can get
any idea as to Avhat affects these treatments may have had
on the quantity of fruit, and probably until Christmas time
before Ave can determine their eft'ect on the keeping (pialities
of the berries.

THE EFFECT OF RE-SANDING ON THE PREAWLEXCE
OP FUNGOUS DISEASE.

A part of the State bog Avas re-sanded iti the fall of
1911, and most of the remainder in the spring of 1912, Avith

iiboiit li;iH an iiidi of s a ml. Two Earl}- lilack i)l(»ts (O aiul
V). of !l s(iuai'p rods each, were left iinsanded as an experi-
ment. () lieing' located on a portion of the bog sanded in tlie
fall and A' on a part sa)ided in th(^ s])ring. Checks were
laid out on tlii-(M^ sides of each i>f these plots, antl. in. both
cases, they averaged a distinctly smaller rpmntity of fruit
per squai'e rod. in the 1912 crop, than did the plots them-
selves. This difit'erence Avas perhajis caused by the injury
done the vines in the process of sanding. The keeping
qualities of the berries from these plots and their checks
were tested, with the results given in the following table:

•— EZ i-

■zc

t- ^1

—

t: X

^ — ■ '•'i

-i-5

~ * "■ r— '

g i

,-v ~ '

3. -^ ^ ^'

V _2

Oct.

Dee.

12/3

"1 7/17

15 3/10

Check 0,

Oct.

Dec.

1 9/16

21 9/10

Oct.

Dec.

111/16

15 3/5

Check V,

Oct.

Dec.

15/8

18 3/4

The results here shown seem to indicate that re-sand-
ing favors fungous diseases, and this indication is in accord
with what seems to be the general (experience of the
growers.

FERTILIZERS.

The Waquoit experiments were discontiniied last year,
but the plots were examined ,iust before harvesting and
were found, without exception, to have produced a very
light crop. There seemed to be no evidence of any effect
on the fruiting as a result of the fertilizer used in the pre-
ceding seasons. The berries on the fertilizer plots on the
State Bog were all picked with scoops last fall, on September
11th and r2th. They appeared so uniform in color and so
alike in most other respects that no records were made,
except those concerning their quantity, size and kec^ping

v|iuiijty. Storage tests were carried out witli berries from
all the plots, beginning on October 11th and ending Decem-
ber 13 to 17, the results of Avliich gave no evidence that any
of the fertilizers, except perhaps the acid phosphate, had
affected the keeping quality in any way whatever. There
seemed to be somewhat less loss, as a rule, among the berries
from the plots treated with phosphate (alone, or in com-
bination.) than among those from the plots on either side
of those so treated. The results in this connection, how-
ever, were not very positive.

The following table shoAvs Avhat fertilizers were used
and what quantity of fruit was obtained from each ])lot, and
is largely self-explanatory :

Size of Berries;
Quantity of Average Num-
Frnit obtained, ber in Eight

Plot.

Fertilizer used.

(Boxes.)

Samples.

2
3
4

P
K

17/8

31/4

13/4

31/7

3 7/8

2 3/4
21/3
4
31/2

3 2/5
21/2

4 5/6
6 1/9

5 2/3
31/6
5 1/2
4

41/5
3

31/8
2

109
108

105 1 /2
112
105 1 ^9

7
8

NP
NK
PK

1081/2
102

106 1/2
110

10
11

12
13

NPK

NPKL

NPKCl

104

105 1/2
99

108 1/2
105

102 1/2

103 1/2

106 1/2
102

106 1/2
1031/2
105 1/2
106

14
15
16
17

N 1 1/2 PK
N2PK
NKP 1 1/2

18
19
20
21

NKP 2
NPK 1 1/2
NPK 2

106

Plots 1, 5. 9. 13. 17. 21. 22 and 23 are all untreated
elieck plots. The meanings of the fertilizer symbols used
are as follows: X means one hundred pounds nitrate ot
soda per acre. P means four hundred pounds acid phos-
phate per acre. K means two hundred pounds high grade
sulphate of potash per acre. L means one ton of lime
(slaked) per acre. KCl means tAvo hundred pounds muruite
of potash per acre. Nli'o means one hundred and fifty
pounds of nitrate of soda per acre. X2 means two hundred
pounds of nitrate of soda per acre.

In combinations they mean, for example, as foUo^vs :
N2PK::=200 pounds of nitrate of soda -|- •100 pounds of acid
phosphate -[-200 pounds of high-grade sulfate of potash per
acre.

The nitrate of soda evidently had a mai-ked effect in
increasing the quantity of fruit. As shown by the ligures in
-column 4 of the table (the average sizes of the berries
were inversely proportional to these figures) the variation in
size between the berries from the different plots was not
very great. The increase in quantity was evidently due,
for the most part, to an increase in the number of the
berries, the increase in their size being a minor factor. The
potash caused no increase in fruit and the phosphate but
very little. If the lime had any effect, it seemed to be detri-
mental. The boxes used in measuring this fruit were bushel
boxes. The area of each of these plots is eight square rods

These plots were again treated with fertilizers this
year, the same kinds and quantities being used as last year.
They were, for certain reasons, however, applied later than
usual this year — on Juh^ 15th. At present there does not
appear to be a larger amount of fruit on any of these fertil-
ized plots than seems to be present on the checks. Whether
the harvest will justify this conclusion, made from a general
inspection of the plots, remains to be seen.

Plot 15 shows a very marked falling off in the amount
of fruit, though it had by far the heaviest blossom of any
portion of the bog. For some reason, however, the blossoms

tiiid sDiall l)eiM'i('s on this i)lot dried up iiiDi'i' t!i;ii) they dieU
on any other portion of the bog, the condition l)eing siieli
that, all things considered, it could not be very well laid to
dry weather. The reduced fruiting seems to have been due
to a detrimental effect of the nitrate in the fertilizer. Ihonsj,!!
it is perhaps impossible, at this time, to say Avith certainty
just Avhat the eifect Avas. It must be remembered that half
of this plot was si)rayed for fungous diseases as well as
fertilized, but the unsprayed portion shows a marked falling
off in the quantity of fruit as well as the spraye<l ])ortion,
although the reduction does not appear to be so great oil.
the unsprayed portion.

l*lot ]4 also seems to shoAV a rather noticeable decreascy
though it does not appear to be nearly so marked as that of
plot 15. It is interesting to note, in this connection, that
plot 14 had a heavier application of nitrate of soda, in the
fertilizer treatments, than did any other plot, except plot !"•.

Whether the fertilizers applied this year have had any
effect on the keeping quality of the berries remains yr-t to be-
shown by our keeping tests this fall.

INSECTS.

This season has seen a marked decrease in the pi eva-
lence of both the Flowed Bog Fireworm (Black Head ('ran-
berry Worm) and the Fruit Worm. Last season, as the-
growers generally realized, the injury done by both of these-
insects was abnormally severe, as compared Avith that of
most of our recent seasons. This season, hoAvever, both in-
sects have caused comparatively little trouble, a suri)rising
fact, considering last season's troubles. The causes of this
year's reduction of these tAvo pests are obscure, but it seems
most probable that some condition of the Aveather, during
some period of the year, Avas responsible for it. The most'
marked peculiarity noted, in the Aveather conditions of the-
year, was the A^ery open Avinter, especially during December-
and January. Probably the only Avay in Avhich Ave can come'
to a conclusion, concerning the bearing of Aveather condi-

tions on the pri'valeiico of thest* iiisc'cts. is t(» ket']) a cjircfiiL
record for •,^ long period of yejirs and make comparisdiis of
the experiences of one year witli those of another.

This season has had otlier peculiarities from th(^ stand-
point of cranberry insect troubles .especially in an uiuisual
prevalence of cut worn)s and of span worms of several dif-
ferent s})ecies. In my last season's re]iort to this Associa-
tion. 1 called one of these span worms '"the trne craid)erry
span worm." I hnd. however, that 1 was mistaken in con-
sidering- this insect to be the same as the one which Prof.
J. B. Smith called "the cranberry span worm" in Farmers'
Bulletin, No. 178, of the United States Department of Agri-
culture. Having reared the adult insect (moth), I Inne
discovered that it is a different span worm altogether. The
moth of this insect is smaller and nnich more yellowish than
that of Prof. Smith's cranberry span worm. Tt did a great
deal of damage last year on the Old Colony bog at Yar-
mouth, and I have been following its life history on that ])og.
in a general way. during the past year, and have been keep-
ing in touch with the experience which the Superintendent of
the bog has been having with it.

' On August 15th. 1912. I collected forty-tAVo pupae of this
insect from the Old Colony Bog. and I kept them on moist
sand, in cans, through last fall, winter and spring. Between
June 6th and 15th, thirty-three moths emerged from these
pupae, but no parasites were obtained from them. I visiteci
the Old Colony Bog on June 13th and found the moths of this
insect present b>- the thousand on an area of about two
acres which had not been treated in any way to get rid of
the insects, because that portion of the bog belonged to a
separate and apparently careless owner. Portions of the boi;-
which had been heavily infested in July and Au^'usl. I!)i2.
had been burned over in the latter half of August, and other
infested portions had been re-sanded with seven-eighths of
an inch to an inch and a half of sand. Practically no moths
of this span worm were found on June 13th on any of these
treated i>ortions. except wheri^ the treated areas immediat<'ly

adjoined untreated, heavily infested areas. Evidently the
burning had effectively destroyed the pupae and the sanding
had smothered them.

At the time of the visit to this bog (June 13th), the
millers on the infested portion were being caught and eaten
(the males mostly, as this sex Hew up into the air readily,
sometimes as high as twenty or twenty-five feet, while the
females, as a rule, being heavy with eggs and unable to fly
well, stumbled and flopped along the ground w^hen attempt-
ing to do so, by swallows (two barn swallows and a dozen or
more tree swallows). These swallows were flying back and
forth like bats, and clicking of their bills was incessant, as
they captured the millers. I dissected out and counted the
■eggs of several plump female moths on June lath. These eggs
"were all bright green in color, but they afterward turned
yellowish. The eggs obtained from these moths numbered
two hundred and ninety-five in the most productive specimen
and one hundred eighty-seven in the least productive one. I
found eggs of this insect hatching in the laboratory on June
19th and 20th. On July 8th, I visited the Old Colony Bog
again and got the following notes concerning this insect from
Mr. Ellis, the foreman of the bog, who seemed to be a very
good observer: "Pound the first worms on the bog on June
25th. They were then very small. Unhatehed eggs were also
present in abundance on June 25th. Small worms Avere seen
in numbers spinning down in the vines and hanging by small
threads. Most of the moths had disappeared by June 18th.
The eggs on the vines were yellow, and laid in scattering
small batches (three to five together). The worms worked
first on the backs of the leaves."

Mr. Ellis had been spraying a considerable part of the
portion of the bog that was under his management, and his
experience seemed to shoAv that it is not very difficult to
control this insect by thorough spraying.

On July 8th, the worms (of many different sizes), were
present, on the badly infested portions of the bog, in great
numbers, the vines having been turned brown by their work,

and. Avhen opened, appearing literally alive with them. So
little foliage was left, on the worst infested portions of the
bog. that death by starvation, for a very large percentage of
the worms, seemed inevitable. This summer, this insect was
also found to be threatening a bog in INIattapoisett.

Numerous reports have come to me from cranberry
growers, this season telling of threatening gypsy inotli
trouble and the little cranberry snout beetle appears to have
been more troublesome than usual.

EXPERIMENTAL INSECT WORK.

The experimental work with insects has been confined
mostly to the Flowed Bog Fireworm (Black-head Cranberry
Worm) and to the Fruit Worm. I will now discuss the work
with these two insects, somewhat in detail.

THE FLOWED BOG FIREWORK!.
(Rhopobota Vacciniana Pack) .

You will recall that, in my last year's report to this
Association, I cited the successful results obtained in the
treatment of a certain large bog by holding the winter
flowage late (until about the first of June) and then re-
flowing about three weeks later, to destroy an infestation of.
this insect.

A somewhat similar procedure was carried out on an-
other, but smaller bog, this season, with much less satisfac-
tory results, due to the fact that the re-flowing was done too
soon. The results of this treatment were, however, all things
considered, suffleiently successful to confirm my belief that,
where this method of treatment can be applied, it will be
found, at least, a fairly satisfactory one. The reflowage
should evidently be continued, in this treatment, for about
forty-eight hours. I wish to say, hoAvever, that my con-
clusions as to the way in which the bunching up of the
hatching of the eggs of this insect is brought about by the
late holding of the winter flowage, as expressed in my last

report to tliis association, were evidently incorrect, as 1 have
discovered by observations made this season. Tests with
thermometers have shown me that there are greater differ-
ences of temperature among the vines of a cranbtn^ry l)og
when the bog is flowed thaii when it is open to the air. the
conditions in this respect being exactly the reverse of what
I had presumed them to be. It now seems pro])able that tlie
bunching of the hatching, by this late holding of the wjiter.
is brought about mostly by a retardation or prohibition of
hatching for the first eggs that reach or approach the hatch-
ing stage. It seems evident that the worms from any eggs,
which might become far enough advanced to hatch under
"water, would droAvn soon after hatching, and it is not im-
possible^ that this is what happens to the eggs soonest de-
veloped while the eggs or sloAver development are catching
up with them as the warming up of the water in the late
spring allows them to develop. It is. of course, evident that
the whole hatching process is naturally more rapid when it
takes place under the hot sun of June than it is when thi^
development of the eggs and their hatching takes place in
the cooler weather of the first half of ^\ay. as occui-s wlien
the winter flowage is drawn off early.

I consider that the general position which 1 took in my
last year's report, in regard to the practice of spraying for
this insect should be maintained. It is quite possible, how-
ever, that, instead of using Bordeaiix mixture and Paris
green for this spraying, it will be found best to use Arsenate
of Lead alone, for, while some of our results with Bordeaux
mixture have been satisfactory, as already indicated in my
discussion of our fungous work, there seem to be indications
that it may be. under some conditiojis at least, an injurious
spray to use. I am planning to carry out more spraying
experiments to determine exactly what is best to recommend
in this connection.

On some bogs where T have seen B(n-d(^aux mixture and
Paris green used on a part, and arsenate of lead on an(*ther

part, this season, it has seemed to nie that the arsenate of
lead gave rather distinctly better results.

It seems very probable that Ave have not yet learned Avhat
is the best method of applying a spray to a cranberry bog.
There seems to be a considerable diversity of opinion con-
cerning this, and I am planning to carry out experiments
along this line. I am inclined to the opinion that, in thick
vines, a spray driven with a good deal of force is more lii\ely
to place poison Avhere it will have the most satisfactory
effect in destroying this insect than is a spray applied with
less force.

From observations made on a considerable number of
bogs this season, this insect seems to be distinctly more
injurious on vines of the Late Howe variety than on those of
the Early Black, and it is my present impression that the
Late Howe variety is rather of a favorite Avith the pest. If
this is the case, it is only an added indication that, Avhere
bogs are being ncAvly built, it is the part of Avisdom to plant
only one variety on a bog. It is noAv becoming generally
recognized that the planting of seA^eral varieties together on
the same bog causes more or less serious inconvenience in
many Avays.

You Avill recall that, in my last year's report, I gaA^e you
a somcAvhat detailed account of my findings concerning the
parasites and other natural enemies of this insect and con-
cerning the bearing Avhich .bog flooding has upon their ef-
fective activity. In connection Avitli this, for the benefit of
those of you Avho may be sutficiently interested to make
observations for yourseh'es this fall. 1 Avish to mention the
fact that. Avhen a bog is re-floAved. after picking, the most
conspicuous forms of animal life that are driA'en a.shore by
the Avater. from the standpoint of their numl)ers, are the
spiders. The numbers of these forms seen by one looking for
them, on the occasion of such after-harvest re-flowhig, is
really surprising, and it is interesting to note that most of
them. eA'en on a bog of considerable size, succeed in reaching
the upland alive, as they are fitted to float lightly upon the

surface of the water for consirlerable distances iu case of
need. In all my examinations of bogs, made during the pro-
cess of the after-harvest re-fiowing, I have, as yet ,failed to
see a sufficient number of parasitic insects driven up by the
water to lead me to believe that they can have nearly as im-
portant a bearing on the prevalence of the fireworm as do
the spiders. It is probable, however, that the presence of
the parasites on a bog is. in a sense, more affected by the
flowing than is the presence of the spiders, because they are
probably far more liable to destruction by drowning than
are the spiders.

THE FRUIT WORM.

(Mineola Vaccinii (Riley).

My chief work Avitli this insect, since I last reported to
this Association, has been a study of its natural enemies.
I have now reared nearly a dozen of its parasites and have
worked out, in a general way, the complete life history of
the most important one, an insect, whose connection with the
fruit worm has not been, heretofore, suspected. This para-
site has been determined by Mr. H. L. Viereck. an expert on
the group of insects to Avhich it belongs, to be a Braconid, to
which has been given the name Phanerotoma tibialis.

I have seen this insect on cranberry bogs in large lunn-
bers, in previous seasons, but had not fully accounted for
its presence until this year. This season, it was present in
greatest numbers during the first three weeks of .Inly. It had
almost entirely disappeared (it being possible to find only
now and then one) from the bogs on the Ca]ie by Jnl>' 2ntb.
I had a large number of wormy berries collected last fall.
and, keeping them in cans until the middle of this smnmer.
I made a careful record both of the moths and of the i>ara-
sites which emerged. The Avormy berries used in this iiives-
tigation. came from three general locations, as follows:

1. The center of a flowed bog (State bog).

2. The edge of a floAved bog (State bog).

3. A dry bog- (that is. one not flowed at any time).
The ret'di'd of moth and parasite emerg-enee was kept with
these locations in mind. The most interesting- things shown
by the record tlius obtained were :

1. That Phanerotoma tibialis far outnundiered all the
other parasites taken together. All the parasites obtained
from the berries collected at the center of the State bog. and
all but one of those from the edge of this bog. were ot this
species. Abont four-fifths of the parasites from the berries
collected from the dry bog were also of this species, but the
percentage of other species of parasites was much greater
amongst the forms obtained from the dry bog berries.

,2. The berries from the dry bog produced nearly three
times as many parasites, in proportion to the fruit w^orm
moths Avhich emerged, as did the berries from any portion
of the flowed bog.

o. The time of the greatest emergence of the parasites,
from the berries from all three locations mentioned, was from
June 30th to July 9tli, inclusive.

4. As slightly more parasites than moths emerged from
the worms of the berries from the dry bog. it seems highly
probable that more than fifty per ceut of the fruit worms on
that bog last year were killed by these parasites. This shows
something of the importance of the natural enemies of this
insect which Ave have been in the habit of eonsidrn-ing as
being comparatively free from parasites.

You will observe that the relative junnber of jiarasitcs
obtained from the flowed bog and from the dry one shews a
similar condition as regards the amount of parasitism i)resent
on dry and flowed bogs, as that which Ave have already found
obtains with the natural enemies of the fire w(u-m. Froiu a
study of the life history of Phanerotoma tibialis. Iiowever. it
is not easy to see just how the Avater can affect its prevalence
to so marked an extent.

I find that the adult Phanerotoma lays its eg^ in the
egg of the fruit Avorm. Tt is not difficult to got one of the
parasites to lay its egg under o1)servation by bringing near

it a berry be;iriiig'. under one of the loltes of its hlossoin end.
an unhatched fruit worm eg'g. During their hi>'iug season,
these parasites are constantly running over the vines, with
actively vibrMting antennae, and searching for the eggs of
the fruit Avorm, and when an eg^ is presented to one of them,
if the parasites antennae sense its location, it will give imme-
diate attention to it. and the whole process of egg laying may
be observed. A peculiar fact discovered was that o.ne of
these parasites will never lay twice in the same fruit worm
egg. One of them can, hoAvever. be readily induced to lay
an egg in a fruit worm egg. Avhich already contains ojie or
even several (in one test. tAvelve was the liighest number
reached), eggs deposited by other indiA'idnals. AVh(4her the
egg of the parasite hatches l)efore the fruit worm egg does.
or not, I do not know. but. at any rate, the fruit worm, when
it emerges from the egg. carries the small parasite with it,
^md. as the fruit Avorm groAvs. the parasite within it also
groAvs, feeding ui)on its juices and so depleting its vitality
that. Avhen it becomes full groAvn and forms its cacoon for
the Avinter around itself, it is often l)ut little more than half
the size of a normal unparasiti/ed Avorm. Sometime during
the Avinter or spring, the parasite larA-a becom(\s full grown,
and, emerging from the fruit Avorm. leaves it a mere dead
shell, and forms its OAvn tiny Avhite coccoon about itself
Avithin the coccoon of the fruit worm. Within its small coc-
coon. it changes into a pupa stage, and it eA'entually emerges
as an adult parasite nearly a year after it Avas de[)osited as
an egg in the egg of the fruit Avorm.

A study of this parasite may. in time, prove to be of
greater importance than it might seem to be at tirst tlunight.
for it is not impossible that in some years it may be suffi-
ciently abundant to, single-handed, be a controlling factoi- in
the preA^alence of the pest. We can onl\- learn about this,
hoAvever. by making observations for several years and keep-
ing records. Tf it is found that this parasite does, in some
years, become a controlling factor, it should be possible to

judge beforehand from a study of its abundance, as to tlie
probability of eoming- fruit worm trouble.

The seeond most important parasite, which 1 have reared,
is a small lehneumou whieh lays its egg in the fruit worm
after it has hatched aud is already working in the berr\'.
The name of this species has not. as yet. been determined.
The female, in laying its egg. inserts its egg-laying appara-
tus into the hole made in the berry by the fruit worm and
left open by it. I have never seen one of these parasites
drive its eggdaying apparatus through one of the white
silken curtains which the fruit worm usually makes over the
mouth of its hole after it has gone into its first or second
berry.

I have not. as yet. Avorked out the life history of this
parasite to any extent. It is certaiuly a far Tess importaut
enemy of the fruit worm than is Phanerotoma til)ialis.

STUDY OF CONTROL FOR FLO^YED BOGS.

I have, this season, made no definite advance in my
ideas concerning the control of this pest by water. The
recommendations given in my last year's report are what I
would give to anyone today. There seem to be some indica-
tions that the depth of the flowage may have some bearing on
its effect in killing this insect within its coccoon. It seems
reasonable to suppose that a deep flowage is more ef^'ective
than a shallow one on account of the greater water pressure
of such a flowage and its probable greater effect in collapsing
or penetrating the coccoons of the fruit Avorm. I have
already collected an abundance of Avormy berries for experi-
ments, which I have planned to carry out this fall, to deter-
mine this point.

STUDY OF CONTROL FOR DRY HOOS.

The sanding experiments which t conducted last \ear.
for the purpose of determining whether this in.sect could be
smothered in its coccoon. and wliich I told von the results of

in my last report, have been repeated and continued this
season on the dry bog just over the hill, the general results
being unsatisfactory. I feel pretty certain that this metliod
of treatment for this insect "vvill never be practicable.

You will recall tlie snggestioiis wliich 1 made in my last
report, concerning the possibility of starving out a fruit
worm infestation on dry bogs by killing the remnant of the
bloom in seasons of severe Avinter-kiU injury or of severe
frost damage by spraying with a 20 per cent solution of iron
sulphate. I have been making first tests of the practicability
of this method of treatment, this season, aiul 1 find that this
solution can be used in such a way as to kill the bloom with-
out apparent injury either to the vines or to the buds formed
for the succeeding year's growth. I fi]id. however, that it
M'ill take, as a rule, three rather thorough sprayings to
accomplish the entire destruction of the blossom, on account
of the fact that the blossoming does not all take place at (uice,
but is drawn out through a period of three or four we(d<s.

The necessity for three sprayings instead of one has
brought in a new element of danger which must lie con-
sidered in connection with the practicability of this treat-
ment. In making tlie twenty per cent, solution of iron
sulphate, it is necessary to use a hundred pounds of the-
chemical to every fifty gallons of water. It takes not less'
than one hundred and fifty gallons to spray an acre thor-
oughly. This means that, Avith each application, three hun-
dred pounds of the iron sulphate would be put on each
acre. Three applications would deposit nearly half a ton
of this chemical, per acre, on the bog. It seems probable-
that this amount of the chemical might injure the eranberr}'-
root system and perhaps, if continued, kill the vines. I am;
planning to carry out further experiments to see if this is
the case. If there proves to be no danger in this way, it
seems probable that this method of treatment may be used
to advantage on dry bogs.

BEE EXPERIMENTS.

The plot from -which bees were excluded in 1911 was
all last season treated in all respects like the snrrour.ding
bog. It is, therefore, of special interest to note that in 1912
this plot bore over twice as large a crop, per square rod,
as the average of the rest of the bog, and a considerably
larger one than any other equal area on the bog, the fer-
tilizer and fungous plots included. In 1911 this area bore
a very light crop in comparison with the rest of the bog.
This seems to show that there are after affects of light or
heavy cropping Avhich influence the crop of the following
season. It is very desirable to determine to what extent
this is true, for it can be established that such affects gen-
erally appear in the crop of the succeeding season, it must
have a strong bearing on the management of cranberry bogs
in more than one respect. If these affects are carried over,
the importance of keeping bees to insure good blossom
fertilization is, in general, much reduced, for what a bog
fails to produce in years of bee scarcity, on account of poor
fertilization, it will tend to make up in years of bee
abundance.

The keeping quality of the berries from this 1911 plot
Avas tested last fall, in comparison with the berries from the
fertilizer plots located near it, and the berries from the bee
plot kept much better than did those from the fertilizer
plots. Three of the fertilizer plots Avere check plots, and
were, therefore, probably representative of that general
part of the bog on which the bee plot was located. The rea-
sons for the better keeping quality of these lierries are not
evident. The berries from this plot shoAved other peculiari-
ties, as folloAvs:

1st. A marked comparative softness resembling the
softness often characteristic of some varieties of apples in
the spring, due to loss of Avater during long storage. This
Avas so evident that the screeners noticed it at once on
changing from other berries.

2nd. A large proportion of berries Avith rougli areas

on them, somewhat resembling the russetting of apples.
These are peculiar to berries of the Early Black variety,
being only occasionally found on Howes and AIcFarlins.

The l)erries of other plots Avere also examined, par-
ticularly those of the sprayed fungous plots and tlieir checks,
for the purpose of determining the proportion of those hav-
ing these rough areas. The fact that there was practically
no difference, in this regard, between the fungous plots and
their checks, is an indication that the roughness was not
caused by fungous disease. Moreover, Dr. Shear, in exam-
ining berries with these rough areas, found no fungous in
connection with them. In my opinion, they are caused, as
is the russetting of apples, by the deposition of corky tissue
in the skin of the fruit.

These rough areas are usually more abundant among
l)erries grown on *'hard bottom" than among those grown
on peat. Berries groAvn on "hard bottom" are usually, oth-
er conditions being the same, better keepers. This well
known fact, together with the experience with the berries
from the bee plot, here noted, suggests that the roughening
of the fruit here discussed may be relied upon, to some ex-
tent, as an indicator of the keeping quality of Early Black
berries. The fruit of the Late Howe variety is sometiines
streaked with irregular, vein-like, red lines during ripening,
and these lines appear to be of the same nature as the rough
areas on the Early Black fruit, for they are most prevalent,
as a rule, on berries grown on "hard bottom," and occasion-
ally rough areas are associated with them, the roughness
being superficial wliile the red \eining is decider within the
tissues.

As I told you in my last report, I repeated the experi-
ment of screening all bees out from a small area of bog
last year. Strange to say, at picking time, it was found
that the screened-in area bore about half as heavy a crop as
the surrounding bog. as its appearance indicated it would
do, when you observed it at the time of our last annual
meeting. I discussed what seemed to me to be the possible

explanations for this, in my last report. AVe have. Ihis
season, repeated this experiment again, on another jiart of
the hog. and have this time nsed a wire screen through
which I believe no bee conld force its way. The present
apjiearance (»f the plot shows that we are certainly getting
the same resnlts that we have obtained in jn-evions years.
Avith the exception of last year. Only picking time Avill tell
jnst how great the resnlts of screening ont the bees, this
season, have been.

THE STATE BOG CROP.

Yon will observe that the Station bog is bearing a very
heavy croj) this season, and those of yon who are following
it closely will be inclined to ask by what means this crop
has been produced. Yon will recall, nndonbtedly, the fact
that onr crop was very light last year. It seems to me that
our heavy crop this year probably folloAvs the light one of
last year largely as a natnral resnlt. At least, the situation
does not contradict the theory held by many that the effects
of a light or heavy crop are carried over from one year to
another.

I have this year ])umped Avater for irrigation more
freely than I did last, but have not. at any time, kept the
ditches fnll for more than a day at a time nntil Avithin the
last tAvo or three days. I am coming to the opinion that tliere
is a limit be.yond Avhich a bog may become too dry. if it is
not irrigated. It seems probable that the Avisest conrse to
pursue, in irrigating a bog dnring the groAving season, is to
try to be sure that it has Avhat Avater it needs, but that it is
not given moisture much in excess of its needs. It is probalily
better to giA'e a bog a good Avetting occasionally and then
draAv off the surplus Avater so that the ditches shall be fairly
empty, than it is to keep the ditches full for any considerable
period of time and during the groAving season run the i-isk
of injuring the root system by so doing. The present season's
observations have confirmed those of last season in showing
that the liigher and better drained portions of a bog usually

produce more fruit than the Ioav portions. I have cut out
blocks of vines from different parts of flowed and dry bogs
this season and have washed out and examined their root
systems and find that, while on dry bogs there is often a
well-developed root growth, running deep into the peat, the
root system of tiowed bogs is apparently always confined, for
the most part, to the sand above the peat. I. judge that this
condition on the flowed bogs has been brought about by root
drowning caused by holding the water table too high during
periods of root growth. It seems probable, therefore, that
a mere examination of the amounts of fruit, borne by high
and low portions of a bog, is not sufficient to justify any
certain conclusions concerning the causes of differences noted
in the amount of fruit produced, for, while a season's drain-
age is one possible important factor, the development of the
root system, brought about by the conditions of previous
seasons, is perhaps as likely to have a powerful influence on
the ability of the plant to withstand drouth and, therefore,
produce fruit under extreme conditions.

1 wish here to call your attention to the fact that the
same tip injury, which I spoke of in my last year's report
as occurring on the State bog during the month of July of
the season of 1911 and causing a poor bud development dur-
ing that season for the season of 1912, took place on the bog,
to a very large extent .again this season, and I presume that
next 3' ear's crop will, as a result, be considerably lighter than
that at present promised for this season. It should be noted,
in this connection, that this injury was only very slight on
the bog last year and that the bud development for this
season's crop was most excellent. I am still inclined to the
opinion that this injury is caused by some injury to the root
system, and it seems reasonable to suppose that the root
injury is brought about, in some way. by mismanagement in
connection either with flowag€ or with irrigation. It seems
probable that the injury might be caused either by excessive
dryness or by excessive moisture during a period of rapid
growth.

A NEEDED INVESTIGATION.

We are coming- to understand something of the factors
bearing directly on the portion of the cranberry plant which
is above gromid. While it is important to understand these
more easily observed agencies, bearing on the welfare of the
plant, I believe that the most important things which influence
cranberry growth and fruiting have been almost entirely
neglected in our studies, up to the present time. A knowledge
of the physiology of the plant, especially of the development
and activities of its root system seems to me to be very
greatly needed. The seasonal development of the root sys-
tem of most plants begins fairly early in the spring and is
coincident with the seasonal development of the portions of
the plant above ground. Recent investigations by Professor
•Coville, of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the United States
Department of Agriculture, have shown that with the blue-
berries, which are closely related to the cranberry, there is
no new root growth until the plants have developed both
their leaves and their blossoms. If this is also the rule of
development with the cranberry, it may have a rather vital
bearing on the general rules to be observed in the flooding
and irrigation of cranberry bogs. We have already potted a
lot of vines for this and other studies, in earthen pots, and
plan to pot more vines in glass pots, so that the growth of
the root system may be directly observed in all its stages and
in all seasons.

A REPORT of the TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL
FIELD DAY of the CAPE COD CRANBERRY
GROWERS' ASSOCIATION, EAST WAREHAM,
MASS., TUESDAY, AUG. 25, 1914, together with a
REPORT of the STATE EXPERIMENTAL BOG

THE COURIER PRESS
WAREHAM. MASS.
1915

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Asso-
ciation was held at East Wareham Station on August 25, 1914.

The opening address by President John C. Makepeace was as
follows :

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This is our 27th annual meeting. It is held under the roof
which the state very kindly provides for us. It is a station which
is maintained for our benefit. We meet at the season of the year
when the crop is maturing, our expectations are maturing and our
hopes are the highest. In this part of the year we mee.t under the
shadow which is fast enveloping the whole world. No one can tell
what the effect will be upon the nation and upon the marketing of
our produce, but let us hope for the better.

In regard to the progress of the past year which has been
made by this association, I don't think it will be necessary for me
to repeat it to you as you all have probably received the report
before now.

Now in speaking of the membership of this Association. The
report of our treasurer shows me that there has b<en over seventy-
one members joined within the past two weeks. This is a good
report, but we want a better one than that. If we were being
represented in another state, wouldn't you like to say that you were
the representatives of the three thousd*id cranberry growers of
Massachusetts ? What we are aiming at is increased membership. I
want every cranberry grower on Cape Cod and in Massachusetts
to be a member of this Association. I think there should be a
greater extent of this Association and we should get together and
work through the season and through the year to bring this
organization to its highest standard.

We have with us today, Mr. N. P. Wescott, the representative
of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Produce Exchange. When we
were in Washington in behalf of the Barrel Bill, we had the pleas-
ure of meeting Mr. Wescott. He was untiring in his efforts to
help us along with our bill. As I said before, Mr. Wescott is here
today and you will have a chance to hear him speak. He repre-
sents an organization of several thousand members and handling

millions of packages in a year. I think that we may be very
thankful that we have such a good friend with us today.

Now I see no reason why we should not now proceed with the
annual business of this meeting. First, there is elected a board
of from nine to twelve directors who look for the business of the
Association for the ensuing year. From this board of directors
there is elected a President, Vice President, Sec. Vice President,
Treasurer and Secretary.

Board of Directors was elected as follows:

John C. Makepeace, Wareham.

Lemuel C. Hall, Wareham.

C. C. Wood, Plymouth.

Z. H. Jenkins, West Barnstable.

Franklin F. Marsh, Wareham.

S. N. Mayo, Medford.

M. L. Fuller, Brockton.

Seth C. C. Finney, East Carver.

S. P. Gibbs, West Wareham.

George R. Briggs, Plymouth.

Dr. C. R. Rogers, Plymouth.

H. S. Griffith, South Carver.

Other officers elected as follows:

President — John C. Makepeace
Vice President — Seth C. C. Finney
Second Vice President — Dr. F. F. Marsh
Treasurer — Z. H. Jenkins
Secretary — Lemuel C. Hall

STATE BOG REPORT

B\) H. J. Franklin

Since the last annual meeting of this Association, we have
for the most part worked along lines of investigation followed in
previous years. We have not, however, experimented with bees
this season, and we have investigated the passage of water through
the peat of cranberry bogs somewhat. We have also given con-
siderable time to a study of the seasonal development of the cran-
berry root system.

I will discuss in a general way, as briefly as I can, the work
we have done and the results obtained along each line, of investi-
gation separately. In doing this, I will try not to take up as much
of your time as I have on similar occasions in the past. I want,
first, to discuss

FUNGUS DISEASES

Most of you have probably received my report to the Director
of our experiment Station, copies of which were sent out early this
spring, and so you may be familiar with the results of our spraying
experiments, conducted on the State Bog last year. Nevertheless,
it seems best to tell you of them again today, in a general way.

We began spraying quite early last year, most of the plots be-
ing treated five times. Last fall, v/e found that these sprayed
areas had. in every case, produced much less fruit than the un-
treated portions of the bog around them.

We have been trying to determine why there was such a re-
duction in fruit on these plots. As one of the applications was
made during full bloom, the fungicide may have done serious injury
to the blossoms. This seems rather probable, as one of the plots
had not been treated in previous seasons, but wrs sprayed for the
first time last summer. We are testing the effect of spraying with
Bordeaux Mixture on the bloom.

After we picked the crop a year ago last fall, the McFarlin
and Early Black plots which had been sprayed for two years with
Bordeaux Mixture and with one application of Neutral Copper
Acetate, had a much lighter colored and more sickly appearing

foliage than the vines of the surrounding bog. Last fall, all these
sprayed areas, including the Late Howe plots, began to show a
similar, but more marked, reddish appearance, quite a while be-
fore picking time, the only exceptions being the two plots (one
Early Black and one Late Howe) which had not been treated in
previous seasons. On the old Late Howe plots, this reddening of
the foliage became so marked that it at first gave visitors the
impression that the bog had been seriously attacked on those
areas by the fireworm, and it makes me think that the spraying
had possibly caused some unknown and hidden injury, perhaps of
a cumulative nature. This reddened appearance remained on these
sprayed areas all last fall, and it has persisted this season, though
less strikingly apparent, even to some extent up to the present
time. We have sprayed some of these 'areas again this year, but
have let the rest go without treatment, and the reddened appear-
ance still persists vinth the untreated as well as with the treated
plots. I have been looking for the exact cause of this difficulty,
and have been studying the root systems of the sprayed and un-
sprayed vines, as such an investigation seemed to promise the most
ready solution of the problem. I began this study late in May, and
have made observations from time to time since then. I soon
found new rootlets developing in connection with the unsprayed
vines all over the bog. On the sprayed plots, however, there was
almost no new root development. I noticed early in the season
that there was also a rather scanty growth of old rootlets near the
surface of the sand on the sprayed areas, Avhile on untreated parts
of the bog this growth was evidently much more abundant.
Moreover, the rootlets near the surface on the plots appeared to
be blackened and rather lifeless, as though injured by burning.
The difference in the root growth on different parts of the bog
may be easily observed at the present time by grasping single vines
between the thumb and forefinger close to the surface of the sand
and pulling them up by the roots. If this is done, it will be
seen that, as a rule, there is no considerable mass of rootlets on
the sprayed vines for nearly an inch below the surface of the sand,
while with the unsprayed vines, rootlets are usually massed right
up close to the very surface. Our studies have not gone far enough
to warrant our m.aking any statement as to how the spraying
may have brought about this condition. I will merely bring my
observations to your attention and, for the present, let you draw
your own conclusions.

I have been informed recently by a certain New Jersey grower
of large experience, who has been spraying the bogs under his
management with Bordeaux Mixture, to control fungus diseases,

for several year§, that after he had sprayed a few years, the vines
took on a peculiar reddish appearance similar to that shown by
those of our plots, the condition appearing to have been even more
serious with his vines than with ours, a rather serious dying-out
taking place amongst them. I mention this because I think his sr ray-
ing had had an unfavorable effect on his vines similar to that which
it semeed to have on the vines of our fungus plots here. This,
however, is merely my opinion. The grower himself laid the
trouble to lack of proper plant nutrition and other causes. I de-
scribed our spraying experiments to him and gave him my interpre-
tation of the results I have discussed, but he was inclined to scout
the idea that the spraying had caused the injury. As he had laid
the trouble to lack of nutrition, he had applied fertilizers contain-
ing nitrates to his bogs, and the vines had recovered and taken on
a normal green appearance, and are now, he informs me, pro-
ducing satisfactory crops again. In this connection, I wish to tell
you of my experience with one of our Late Howe plots. Last
summer I divided this plot into three parts and on the middle por-
tion, which comprises half of its area, I applied fertilizer at the
following rate per acre: nitrate of soda, 200 pounds; acid phos-
phate, 400 pounds; high grade sulphate of potash, 200 pounds.
Last fall this fertilized portion produced 65 per cent more fruit
ihan did the unfertilized half of the plot, and its foliage also took
on a norm.al green appearance again and retained it while the un-
fertilized half became very red. I think you will see from this,
that at; far as general observations and experiences count for
anything, our results with these plots are entirely comparable
with those of the New Jersey grower I have spoken of. Before
leaving this part of my fungus discussion, I wish to state that,
while the fertilizing I have spoken of caused an apparent recovery
of the vines, it did not seem to entirely overcome the trouble last
season, as this fertilized portion of the fungus plot failed to fruit
anywhere near as heavily as did the untreated surrounding parts
of the bog. To gain further light on this whole problem and to
determine definitely in what ways spraying with Bordeaux Mix-
ture does injury, we have started special spraying experiments on
small plots this season, the sprays applied having been made up
with varying proportions of lime and copper sulphate, resin fish-
oil soap being used with some and being left out with others, the
spray being applied in excessive quantities on all the plots so that
it would soak into the ground and come in contact with the roots
thoroughly. I hope to be able to explain our spraying situation
more satisfactorily to you another year, when we shall, I expect,
have obtained some results from these experiments. If it is

shown that spraying with Bordeaux Mixture necessarily causes con-
siderable injury to cranberry bogs, I shall consider general spray-
ing for the control of fungus diseases here on our Cape bogs to be
impracticable until we may discover some substitute for the Bor-
deaux which does not cause such injury. I must, however, recog-
nize the fact that some bogs are occasionally so badly infested with
fungus diseases that spraying would be advisable even if it were
certain to cause considerable injury. From what I have been told,
it is my opinion that diseases are so much more prevalent in New
Jersey than they are here that spraying should be generally adopt-
ed there in spite of the possibilities of its doing damage.

We conducted storage tests last fall with berries from the
sprayed plots and from portions of the bog adjoining them. With-
out discussing these tests in detail, I will say that they supported
the results of previous seasons in showing that the spraying had,
as a rule, greatly improved the keeping quality of the fruit, though
in the case of the McFarlin plot the percentage o' loss in storage
was the same with the berries from the sprayed area as with
those from the area used as a check.

In my report last year, I told you of having begun experiments
looking to the control of fungus diseases by pitting copper sul-
phate in the water used in the June reflowage. In regard to this,
I need only to say that the results were not very positive. Three
flooding sections were treated in different ways, and two of them
yielded fruit last fall at approximately the sanr e rate as did the
untreated flooding sections immediately adjacent, while the third
showed a marked falling off due evidently to the localized work of
span worms. In storage tests, two of the treated sections showed
little, if any, improvement over the untreated ones, while the ber-
ries from the third did not keep enough better to justify the con-
clusion that the copper sulphate treatment had been decidedly
beneficial. We have repeated these flowage tests this season, but
cannot, of course, report the results yet.

The new disease (called "Blossom End Rot" in my last report
to this association) was again very prevalent amon^ the Late
Howe berries from the State Bog after picking last fall, most of
the rot with that variety being evidently due to it. In October,
samples of Late Howe berries were collected from fifty-four differ-,
ent bogs for the purpose of gaining some knowledge concerning
the distribution and severity of this disease in different parts of
the Cape, as such knowledge seemed not only desirable from the
scientific standpoint, but also possibly essential in a practical way.
These samples were taken from bogs in the following towns:
Chatham, Harwich, Mashpee, Falmouth, Nantucket, Wareham, Car-

ver, Marion, Rochester, Plymouth, Middleborough, Pembroke and
Hanson. The disease was present in all the samples collected, but
the examinations did not show a distinct variation in its abundance
in different parts of the Cape.

Samples of berries of most of the varieties grown on the Cape
were collected last October, and samples of vines were also taken
when we could get them without too much trouble. This collection
served as a basis for beginning a study of the disease peculiarities
of the different varieties. Samples were forwarded to Dr. Shear for
examination in this regard. We plan to mak-i more collections
of this character and to determine, as far as possible, to what
extent different diseases effect the different varieties.

You are all probably familiar with a trouble which is quite
generally called "ring-worm" by the growers because it was former-
ly supposed to be the result of some insect's work. The vines
first die in a small patch, and, the centers recovering, the infested
area gradually becomes circular. These patches, as you know,
persist for years, the \'ines on the outer side of the rim dying
every season while recovery takes place on its inner side, the circle
thus growing yearly and preserving its form if not interfered with
by a ditch or some other obstruction. Dr. Shear has long believed
this trouble to be due to a fungus disease. I think he is correct
in this. Insects surely have no direct connection with the matter.
This season, evidence has come to hand, which appears to go far
toward proving that fungi are at the bottom of the trouble. On
September 24th, 1910, I visited some bogs in Plymouth belonging
to Mr. Henry J. Thayer of Boston. They were more badly marked
with "ring-worm" patches than any other bogs I have ever seen.
Moreover, it had been with Mr. Thayer a trouble of long standing,
for the rings varied in size from mere beginnings to circles 25 or
30 feet in diameter. Mr. Thayer thought the dying of the vines
was due to insect work. He decided, however, to try spraying with
Bordeaux Mixture the next season, taking the chance that Dr.
Shear was correct in his diagnosis. He sprayed twice in 1911,
three times in 1912, three times in 1913 and twice in the present sea-
son, before I visited his bogs on July 4th. The change since my
former visit was very striking, the rings having, in most cases,
entirely or mostly disappeared and no new dying )f the vines being
apparent. Mr. Thayer was strongly of the opinion that his spray-
ing had caused the improvement, and it seemed evident that such
was the case. The results of this spraying seem to give a good
indication of the character of the "ring-worm" trouble. It is only
fair to state, however, that, in all of his spraying after the season

of 1911, Mr. Thayer used commercial "Bordo-Lead" with a little
Paris green instead of straight Bordeaux Mixture.

Early in July, Mr. W. E. W. Vaughan of North Carver sent me
some cranberry vines seriously affected by some disease with which
I was not familiar. I forwarded the specimens to Dr. Shear, and
he informed me that the trouble was one which had been known
for a long time in Wisconsin, but had never boen previously re-
ported from any other cranberry growing section. The Wisconsin
growers commonly call the disease "false-blossom." Here on the
Cape, however, we call an entirely different trouble "false-blossom,"
and to distinguish the two in your minds, I will call the new disease
"Wisconsin false-blossom." It is characterized by an abnormally
profuse branching of the vines and a peculiar abortion and mal-
formation of the blossoms. The latter do not take on a normal
color or size, but are small and greenish, and their peduncles do
not curve over normally, but remain straight and become somewhat
swollen, so that the flower opens, facing upward. The blossoms
thus affected produce no berries, and th^ crop is therefore often
very seriously reduced in ' quantity when the vines are badly in-
fested. In further correspondence with Mr. Vaughan, I learned
that the vines he had sent me came from a bog on which "Metallic
Bell" vines from Wisconsin were planted about ' en years ago and
that the trouble is, for the most part, still confined to that variety,
though also present somewhat on Late Howe vines to a distance
of about twenty rods from the "Metallic Bell" section. "McFarlin"
vines nearby show no sign of the disease. Tie "Metallic Bell"
vines have borne only two good crops since they were set out. Mr.
Vaughan also informs me that another grower in his neighborhood
has a bog, a part of which is similarly affected, f nd that a part of
that bog was also set with "Metallic Bell" vines which came from
Cranmoor, Wisconsin several years ago. This disease has been
seen on Mr. Vaughan's bog every year since it was first discovered
there five jj^ears ago and has apparently been growing gradually
and steadily worse. I feel that the discovery of the presence here
of this Wisconsin disease may be of much importance and I shall
try to learn more about it soon. It is evidently a serious disease,
and it may be infectious. Until we know more about it, Wisconsin
varieties cannot be planted on the Cape without considerable risk.

RE SANDING

Our experiments in resanding are being continued. We have
had five plots devoted to them on the State Bog since October, 1912.
Last year, I reported results with two of them which indicated
that "resanding favors fungus diseases," thus corroborating what

seems to be the general experience of the growers. In last spring's
report to the Director of our Experiment Station, I discussed fully-
further results obtained last fall from all five plots. I will not go
into all the details of that report today, but will simply say that,
in a general way, the storage tests of the berries picked from these
plots substantiated previous results without exception, more rot
developing in every case among the berries from the more recently
resanded areas. The two plots which had not been resanded for
five years produced distinctly less fruit than the surrounding bog
resanded only two years before. Three plots resanded only one
year before, however, gave no appreciable increase over the sur-
^ rounding bog, probably because the resanding two years before was
still sufficient to maintain the vines in good condition,

FERTILIZERS

Last season our fertilizers were applied later than usual — on
July loth, and the treated plots did not, as a rule, produce as much
fruit as did the unfertilized ones, the reverse of the" result obtained
the year before. The decrease was not very great, however, except on
plots 14 and 15, these having been treated with the largest quantities
of nitrate of soda. Plot 15 showed a much greater falling off than
did plot 14, and it had received heavier applications of nitrate than
had 14. This result is somewhat surprising, for these two plots
had by far the heaviest bloom of any part of the bog. For some
reason, however, there was a more marked drying up of the blos-
soms and small berries on these plots, especially on plot 15, than
on other portions of the bog.

Half of plot 15 was sprayed for fungus diseases last year as well
as fertilized, and the sprayed part showed the greater reduction in
quantity of fruit.

All the plots were picked with scoops on September 15 and 16.
The berries appeared so uniform in color and most other respects
that no records were made except those concerning their quantity
and size. Average counts of berries, in several cup samples taken
from each plot, did not show any considerable differences in size
that could apparently have been caused by the fertilizer.

Storage tests were carried out with berries from all the plots,
beginning on October 28th and 29th and ending December 17 to
23rd, the results of which did not appear to show any marked
effect on the keeping quality, attributable to fertilizers, except
that the berries from plot 15 showed poor keening quality, due,
apparently, to the excessive use of nitrate of soda.

Our plots were fertilized again this year just before the be-
ginning of the bloom, and they appear to be bearing more berries

than the checks, especially plot 15, which did so poorly last year.
We cannot, however, report definitely about this year's results
until after picking.

VARIETIES

Samples of the fruit of thirty-three of the 'i tirieties grown on
the Cape were collected last October for the purpose of beginning
a detailed study of the characteristics of the different varieties, as
a basis for the development of a classification. Samples of vines
were also collected. These samples were studied more or less care-
fully, and those which seemed to be mixtures were separated in
in a general way into their component parts. Small samples, num-
bering in all one hundred and eighty, were bottled in alcohol and for-
malin for future study and reference. Several of the less well known
of these varieties, judging from the condition of the samples when
they were examined in January and from the information obtained
when the collection was made, appear to have highly commendable
qualities and would probably give a good account of themselves if
they were more extensively planted.

We planted four plots of selected cuttings this spring, one with
a Vose's Bell selection and the other three with Late Howe selec-
tions.

INSECTS

Our insect studies have covered a wide rai ge since the last
meeting of this association. The flowed bog fire worm( blackhead
cranberry worm) and the fruitworm both appear to have been
much less abundant than usual this season, the total injury caused
by them being probably about the same as last year. In May and
June, the forest tent caterpillar was everywhere very abundant in
this section, and the worms in large numbers crawled on to the
bogs where we watched their operations carefully. They never
seemed to do any feeding on the cranberry plants, and I think their
presence on the bogs need never cause concern. Their normal food
plants are evidently so different from the cranberry vine that the
latter is not tasteful to them.

Mr. Wheeler has told you about the army-worm, so I need not
discuss it long. The cranberry is not one of its favorite food plants.

It usually works on grasses, grains and corn. As it prefers
low lying land, however, the moths frequently, in "army-worm
years," deposit their eggs in quantity on the bogs, and then the
vines are attacked because of the absence or scarcity of grasses.
There has been quite a little injury here and there on bogs this sea-
son on this account, but the cases of really serious damage appear

to have been few. We probably need not fear this insect next sea-
son, for it rarely appears in numbers two year? In succession, as,
its natural enemies soon control it.

Mr. Rane and Mr. Farley have told you about the gypsy moth
and what we may expect of it. It is becoming more of a menace
every year. I had numerous inquiries concerning it last year, and
this year it has caused no little damage on bogs in several locali-
ties. It is becoming more abundant yearly on the uplands around
the bogs in much of the cranberry section. The danger to the bogs,
except possibly where water for reflowage is abundant, evidently
grows greater in proportion to this upland increase, for while the
female moths cannot fly on to the bogs to lay eggs, the small worms
can readily be blown on by the winds, as Mr. Rane has already told
you. This insect is, therefore, fast becoming a cranberry problem
and we mr^st give it more attention from now on. We have the
following lines of investigation concerning it in mind:

1 — In the more serious cases of bog infestation, does the trouble
arise from eggs laid on the bog the year before "or from small
caterpillars blown on by the winds early in the season ?

2 — You have been told today that gypsy moth eggs will survive
a winter's submergence under water. Can they thus survive if the
submergence is continued until late in May? There is a variety of
practice with the winter flowage. We sometimes let the water
off late 'n March and sometimes hold it until June. The eggs might
readily endure submergence up to the first of April, but be killed
if it were continued much later. In case severe bog infestations
usually arise from eggs deposited the previous season, knowledge
concerning the limit of their ability to endure submergence becomes
of prime importance.

3 — W^hat is the best time to reflow to destroy this insect ? The
caterpillars are very hairy and will float for a long time before they
die. The larger they are the longer they can probably live in this
way. For this reason, a bog should probably be flooded as soon
after the eggs hatch, or after the worms are found at work, as
possible. The sooner the bog is rid of the worms the less will be
the amount of damage done by them. An insect collector's net,
such as I have already recommended for discovering the first
stages of the false ai-my worm, would be useful in detecting the
presence of the small caterpillars early in May. When a bog
infested with this insect is flooded, the worms usually float ashore
alive in large numbers and must be killed by burning or by spraying
with crude oil or kerosene.

Some of you are acquainted with the little snout beetle, which
occasionally harms a bog here and there by working within the

blossom buds, the hearts of which it eats out, thereby preventing
blooming- and fruiting. It did much damage on some bogs in
Plymouth last season and also caused some loss there this year.
No effective treatment has been know^n for this insect. Attempts
to destroy it by flooding have been uniformly unsuccessful. I want,
therefore, to tell you the results of some spraying done this season
under the supervision of Mr. Henry J. Thayer of Boston, in antici-
pation of injury from this insect. Arsenicals ("Bordo-Lead" with
Paris Green) were used while the vines were in bud, some time
before any blossoms had opened. I recently visited the bogs thus
trated and the beetle had evidently done much less damage on the
sprayed vines than on unsprayed bog immediately adjacent.

The span-worm which I discussed last year as having done
serious injury on the Old Colony Bog at Yarmouth, was later found
to have damaged a bog here in Wareham badly. Its scientific name,
I find, is Epelis truncataria var. faxonii Minot. I collected worms
of this insect on the infested Wareham bog on July 23rd, 1913. By
August 8th, many worms had pupated, and many pupae of an Ich-
neumonid parasite were also found. From twenty-five to thirty per
cent of the worms had apparently been infested with this parasite.
The adult parasites emerged from their pupa cases on dates rang-
ing from June 12th to June 27th of the present season. They
proved to be a dark-colored species with a broad, reddish band
about the abdomen. I have not yet determined it's scientific name.

I visited the infested Wareham bog on May 28th and found
live papae of the span-worm present under the vines in numbers.
The bog had been winter flowed in December, and the water had
been let off on May 10th, the pupje thus having survived a five
months' complete flooding. This confirms my observations in con-
nection with this insect on the Yarmouth bog, where the entirely
naked (i. e. without any cocoon) pupse endured flooding for more
than four months with but a small percentage of mortality. No
moths of this insect were observed on the Wareham bog on
May 28th.

Three insects are of such importance and so constantly trouble-
some that they deserve special and detailed consideration. I will
therefore discuss the present status of each from the standpoint
of our investigations.

THE TIP WORM

You perhaps recall the very poor bud development we had on
the State Bog three years ago, which resulted in a very light crop
(less than two hundred barrels) the following year. You may also
remember that this poor development was due to a peculiar dying

of the tips of the uprights, which became noticeable immediately
after the vines went out of bloom. This death of the tips and its
effect on the bud formation and on the crop of the following season
was fully discussed in my report to this association two years ago
(pages 25 to 27 inclusive). In that report, I gave it as my opinion
that the dying of the tips was secondary to some injury to the root
system caused, perhaps, primarily, by mismanagement in the use
of water during the growing season. This seemed to be substan-
tiated by the fact that dry bogs (i. e. bogs without winter flowage)
in the immediate neighborhood of the State Bog showed but little
of the tip injury. We resanded the State Bog in the fall of the
season in which this injury occurred, and the following spring held
the winter flowage late (until the 17th of May). In 1912, but little
of the tip injury occurred on the bog. The bud formation for the
following season was almost perfect and resulted in the splendid
crop we had last year. Last year the injury Avas again considerable,
though the bud formation was fairly good, and our present crop,
following those conditions, is a fair one. This year, if ^you examine
the bog carefully, you will see that the tip injury has been very
severe and that the bud formation promises to be poor as a result.
I referred to this injury in my report a year ago (page 46), and,
at that time, still clung to the notion that it was due primarily to
a root injury. I have been making careful examinations of the tips
every year since I first noticed this trouble, but until this season,
have failed to discover the cause of the injury with certainty. I,
of course, from the first, realized that it might be due to insect
work, and suspected the tip worm, but I thought I was better
acquainted with the work of that insect than I really was. I knew
that the maggots of the broods which appear before blooming time
always made their cocoons on the tips of the vines and that I could
invariable detect their work by the presence of the cocoons even if
the flies themselves had emerged and disappeard. For this reason,
I thought I ought to at least find cocoons, if not maggots, in con-
nection with tip injury coming after the bloom, if it was caused
by this insect.

This season, I decided to make a special effort to discover
definitely, if possible, the cause of the trouble. I began examining
the tips before they showed signs of injury, while the bog was still
in full bloom, and soon found there were maggots in a good share
of them, as many as five being sometimes present in one tip. In
less than three weeks, the infested tips had dried up, the mag-
gots having disappeared without leaving cocoons. I then knew
the tip worm had caused the injui-y observed in previous seasons.
I soon found that the maggots of this, the most injurious brood,

leave the tips and go down to the sand under the vines to form
their cocoons. It is not known how the insect passes the winter,
but I hope to find out soon. It may remain in its cocoon and be able
to endure winter flooding.

As soon as I found this insect so abundant on the State Bog,
I began to examine other bogs and found a great variation among
them in the amount of tip worm damage, due, apparently, to the
treatment they had received. Two-thirds of the tips on the State
Bog were injured, and on a bog in Carver practically all were hurt
over an area of four or five acres. On some bogs, however, the
damage was only from three to five per cent. I examined from
fifty to sixty bogs in the course of this investigation and, as a re-
sult, arrived at the followirj" conclusions:

1 — That flowed bogs, in case they had not been sanded before the
first of May. were, as a rule, much more seriously injured than were
strictly dry bogs (without winter flowage). In it's relative abund-
ance on dry and flowed bogs, the tip worm seems to be in a condi-
tion similar to that of the flowed bog fire worm, though the rea-
sons for the condition may not be the same with both species.

2 — That flowed bogs, which had been resanded the fall before or
in the spring before the first of May. were, as a rule, much less
seriously injured than those not thus resanded. Those most hurt
had, in nearly every case, not been resanded for two years or more.
3 — The Late Howe variety, as a rule, showed distinctly more
injury than did the Early Black. r

4 — No bogs showed much tip worm injury when traces of the
effects of severe frosting were in evidence.

5— There seems to have been an exceptional tip-worm abund-
ance this season. I will not try to say why resanding, vidnter flood-
ing, difference in variety and frost have bearings on the prevalance
of this insect, for I do not feel that my investigations have shown
me enough to justify anything more than mere guesswork in this
regard. I do feel justified, however, in recommending resanding
every other year as a wise preventive practice against this insect.

The tip worm injury, caused by the late brood I have been tell-
ing you about, is a matter of great importance. Only one-third of
the tips injured on the State Bog this season have, up to this time,
recovered sufficiently to form buds, and I doubt if there will be
much further recovery later. I think our crop next year will be
seriously reduced on this account, and I am sure many other bogs
are in a similar condition. I now regard the tip worm as one of
our worst cranberry pests.

THE FLOWED BOG FIRE WORM
(Rhopobota vacciniana (Pack.) )

We have made general observations concerning this insect this
year, but have not carried on extensive experiments with it because
the tip worm and fruit worm have monopolized our attention. I
wish, however, to sum up for you the possibilities for treating this
insect satisfactorily:

1 — Where reflowing can be done in June, reasonably effective
treatment may be had by using the water according to suggestions
and recommendations already made, and perhaps no improvement
in treatment is possible for such bogs.

2 — Winter flov/ed bogs which cannot be reflowed must be
sprayed if any direct treatment is to be applied at all. Arsenical
poisons have been pretty thoroughly tested by the growers in prac-
tical spraying for this insect, and a great advantage is often ob-
tained by their use, but under some conditions the results are very
unsatisfactory, and the very frequent failures with such treatments
have created a general desire for some better method. I see only
one line which oflFers possibilities for great improvement in our
spraying treatments. Perhaps we can make poison sprays attrac-
tive to the worms by sweetening them. I understand certain grow-
ers have recently tried this with apparent success. I hope that such
is the case. I doubt, however, if this method of treatment is found
to be practicable on more extensive trial. Sweetened sprays are
no-where widely used, if I am correctly informed, in the treatment
of any chewing insect, and it seems to me that, if such a treatment
were practicable, it would have come into use extensively with other
insects long ago. Sweetened poison baits have bene widely used for
a long time against grasshoppers and cutworms, and molasses has
been commonly used by entomologists to attract many kinds of
moths in night collecting. Sweets are, therefore, evidently liked
by many insects, and I think the idea of sweetening the arsenical
sprays is worth trying out throughly on that account. I must
remind you, however, that the fireworm's hatching period often
lasts for several weeks and that, in order to be satisfactorily effec-
tive, any poison application must remain in considerable strength
on the vines for quite a long time. Sugar is very soluble in water
and, if used in a spray as suggested, it will not remain on the vines
long if much rain falls. You see, therefore, there are considerable
difficulties to be overcome in making satisfactory use of a sweetened
spray.

The outlook does not, therefore, seem bright for treating this
insect more satisfactorily by direct methods. There are apparently,

however, possibilities for indirect treatment, and I wish to speak
of one of them. This insect does not seriously infest bogs without
winter flowage. I have discussed the reasons for this in previous
reports. It seems highly probable that, if infested bogs could be
left entirely without flowage, the insect would be controlled by
weather conditions and its natural enemies. If, however, bogs are
left without flowage, other troubles have to be met. In the first
place, there is a chance of winter killing. This factor, however,
is not, in my opinion, as important as is generally supposed, for a
severe winter killing on our dry bogs does not take place
oftener than once in four or five years, and then the
bog is seldom so hard hit that it d( es not produce
a partial crop and recover in fair shape for the following
year. The increase in fruit worm injury which takes place when
the winter flowage is omitted is, however, a serious matter, and
I am therefore inclined to consider the fruit worm a possible key
to the fire worm situation. If we learn how to control the fruit
worm without winter flooding, we can bring the forces of nature
to bear in our fight with the fire worm by omitting flowage al-
together.

THE FRUIT WORM
(Mineola vaccinii (Riley) )

Late holding of the winter flowage continues to be the only
certainly reliable method of dealing at all satisfactorily with this
insect. A better method of treatment is desirable because of the
injury which the water does when held late every year. Any new
treatment of value must, in my opinion, be an indirect one. 1 am
planning, however, to try out this fall a method of direct treatment
based on the results of last season's investigations.

I thought the depth of the winter flowage might have some
bearing on its effect on the worms within their cocoons, as it
seemed reasonable to suppose that the greater water pressure of
a deep flowage would be more effective in collapsing or penetrating
the cocoons than would be the slight pressure of a shallow flowage.
To test this, different lots of worms, spun up naturally in their
cocoons, were submerged to various depths in water contained in
long glass tubes two inches in diameter. These tests were begun
October 8th and ended October 17th. The nine days submergence
had little effect on the worms at any depth tested, the range being
from 19 to 80 inches. If we may judge from the results of these
tests, fall flooding is a valuless expedient for destroying this insect.
I plan, however, to test this further. An interesting fact, learned

from these experiments, was that cocoons of the fruit worm are
not impervious to water. When carefully opened, after only a few
minutes' submergence, they were found to be wet inside, the water
apparently having penetrated them almost instantly. From this,
it seems that the cocoon protects the worm from drowning by pre-
venting the escape of the air it contains, which the worm needs
more than anything else in order to survive, rather than by keeping
out the water. This situation seems to offer a basis for attempting
a direct treatment which I expect to test this fall. I plan to try
to kill the worms in their cocoons on the bog by fall spraying with
some contact poison, such as "Scalecide" or "Black Leaf 40." I
have sprayed water on cocoons with an ordinary spraying outfit,
and they wet through as quickly as a handkerchief. I see no reason,
therefore, why the worms cannot be reached and killed in their co-
coons with contact poisons. The adult worms, however, probably
have considerable powers of resistance, and on that account, the
insecticide would probably have to be used in good strength to be
effective. Moreover, on heavily vined bogs, it will take a great
amount of liquid to wet down the sand thoroughly, and this idea
will probably be found impracticable because of the expense involved
in applying an insecticide of unusual strength in great quantities.

For dry bogs (without winter flowage), the possibility of starv-
ing out this insect, by destroying the bloom in seasons of light crop
promise, is still under consideration. In my report last year (page
42), I told you of having successfully killed the blossom, by spray-
ing with a twenty per cent solution of iron sulphate, without caus-
ing injury either to the vines or to the buds formed for the next
season's growth. We found, however, that it took three sprayings
to destroy all the blossoms because the blooming period continues
so long. I thought there might be danger, in th' application of so
much iron sulphate spray, of doing serious injury to the vines. To
make sure about this, the sulphate salt was applied broadcast on
two bog plots, of about two square rods each, at the. rate of one
ton to the acre, on June 17th. Some of the vines on these plots
have shown a slight injury since, but, as far as this season's evi-
dence goes, the sulphate may be used to kill the bloom without
fear of its doing great damage. I expect to test this matter further,
however.

We have continued the study of the natural enemies of the
fruit worm and have learned many things about its parasites which
are of much importance from a scientific standpoint and which
may lead us in time to valuable practical results. We have reared
in all nearly a dozen species which are parasitic on this pest, but

of this number only three are abundant enough to be of much im-
portance. These three species are:

1^ — A Eraconid (Phanerotoma tibialis Hald.), which I told you
a good deal about in my report last year. Cocoons containing
worms parasitized by this species can be readily distinguished from
those of normal, unparasitized worms by their much smaller size.
When I reported on this insect last year, I assumed that it laid
eggs in the eggs of the fruit worm when it parasitized them. I
now think that instead of laying eggs they inject living young into
the fruit worm eggs and are therefore viviparous. I have been
unable to find the eggs of the parasite, but it's larvas (young) can
be readily found in the fruit worm eggs even before the worms
themselves have taken distinct form.

2 — An Ichneumonid (name not yet determined, but probably
a species new to science). I mentioned this parasite in my report
last year (page 41), but have this season accumulated more knowl-
edge concerning it. It inserts its elongate, curved, black eggs into
the body of the fruit worm, usually accomplishing this by sticking
its egg-laying apparatus into the hole made in the berry and left
open by the worm. It is a far less important parasite than the
Braconid (Phanerotoma), not only because it is much less abundant,
but also because it usually deposits its eggs in worms which have
already been parasitized by the Braconid. I would not be surprised
if it were found eventually to be, in reality, as much of a hindrance
as a help, because of its interference with the Braconid.

3 — -A Chalcid (name not yet determined, but probably a species
new to science). This species is a new find this season. It is dis-
tinctly the most important parasite of the fruit woi-m. It undergoes
all its development and transformations in the fruit worm egg,
causing the destruction of the egg, as far as the development of the
worm is concerned, and emerging from it as a full grown fly-like
creature, of such. small size as to be hardly visible to the naked
eye, in July and August. Its presence in the eggs may be readily
detected by their appearance, for they turn black when infested with
it. Moreover, when the fruit worm itself hatches, the eggshell is left
looking like a white flake, and the worm's place of emergence is
not readily seen because of its location close to the surface of the
berry. When the parasite has emerged, on the other hand, the
egg-shell looks black and the emergence hole is conspicuous. I have
noticed these black eggs for several seasons, and, as I suspected
parasitism in connection with them, I attempted to rear the para-
sites last year, but failed to do so, probably because the methods I
employed were not suited to these very delicate creatures. This

season, however, I tried different methods and had no trouble in
rearing the adult parasites in considerable abundance. You will
get some idea of the great importance of this species when I tell
you that, on dry bogs in this vicinity this summer, it caused the
destruction of about fifty-six per cent of the fruit worm eggs.

In my report last year (page 39), I estimated that two years
ago more than fifty per cent of the fruit worms on dry bogs in this
section had been parasitized. I little realized how heavy the par-
asitism really was, for I knew practically nothing of the Chalcid
egg parasite and its importance. My investigations have shown
that the natural enemies (parasitic and predacious) of the fruit
worm took care of not less than ninety per cent of the infestation
on dry bogs and of fully sixty-six per cent on flowed ones in this
vicinity this season.

I think you will recall my findings concerning the natural
enemies of the flowed bog fire worm and the bearing which flooding
has on their effective activity. I have discussed these matters
fully in previous reports, but I wish to call them to ^our attention
again today in order to show you how they are supported by the
results of this season's study of the distribution of the principle
fruit worm parasites. The fire worm seriously damages only flowed
bogs, and it becomes a pest because the flowage either drives out
or destroys its natural enemies, but does the insect itself no similar
harm. A serious fire worm infestation always becomes noticeably
injurious first at some distance from the upland, and bogs of large
size and blocky form are much more often badly infested than are
smaller ones. This, our investigations have indicated, is due to the
fact that it takes some time fo rthe natural enemies of the pest
to work in from the upland and become effectively numerous on all
parts of the bog, especially on the middle part, after the spring
flooding is done. In connection with this fire worm situation, I
think the following findings concerning the distribution of fruit
worm parasites on the State Bog and on a dry bog in the neighbor-
hood this season will be of interest to you:

1 Dry

Center of

1. Edge of

2. Edge of

3. Edge

1 Bog

1 State Bog

State Bog

of State
Bog

Chalcid,

1 56

1 14

Ichneumonid

1 26.4

1 4.6

10.4

10.6

Braconid,

1 32

i 30

The figures given in this table show the percentage of fruit
worm eggs or larvae found parasitized in the different locations

indicated. You see the distribution of the Chalcid and Ichneumonid
parasitism is, in a general way, like that which I have told you ob-
tains with the enemies of the fire worm. The dry bog is about
two acres in area. The center of the State bog is about 250 feet
from the upland. The three "Edge of State Bog" locations were on
different sides of the bog. The examinations on which these fig-
ures were based were made during the first two weeks in August.
Each figure is an average, representing numerous examinations.
The State Bog was reflowed for the last time this season from
June 10th to 12th, a period of over seven weeks elapsing between
the flooding and the parasite examinations. When all these con-
ditions are considered, the great influence of the flooding on the
distribution of these parasites becomes at once apparent. You will
observe, however, that the flooding did not seem to affect the
Braconid very much, our results in this regard being contrary to
those of our breeding experiments last year. If you refer to my last
report (page 39), you will find that, in connection with the results
of those experiments, I remarked that "from a study of the life his-
tory of Phanerotoma tibialis, it is not easy to see just how the
water can affect its prevalence to so marked an extent." This
parasite enjoys the protection of the fruit worm cocoon and also,
after it emerges from the worm, is surrounded by its own cocoon
in addition. It ought, therefore, to survive winter flooding as
well as the fruit worm itself, and our investigations this season
apparently justify this conclusion.

In these studies of the fruit worm parasitism, I have the two
following practical objects in view:

1. The possibility of forecasting seasons of great fruit worm
injury. If we find that relative abundance and scarcity of parasites
in different years has a strong bearing on the prevalence of the
pest, we should, it seems to me, after keeping records of the para-
sitism for several years, be able to foretell with some degree of
accuracy what is to be expected in this regard several months
ahead.

2. The possibility of increasing the natural effectiveness of
the parasites by harboring them artificially in some way. We have
not yet learned enough about the Chalcid parasite to make any def-
inite plans in this connection. I believe, however, that the Braconid
(Phanerotoma) can be handled without much diflftculty, and I have
already gathered a large quantity of parasitized worms for the
purpose of determining whether its percentage of mortality is much
greater under natural out-of-door "dry bog" conditions than it
would be if the worms were kept under more even conditions of
temperature and moisture such as they would have in cold storage

or in ordinary cellars. It is, of course, evident that on flowed bogs
the majority of these Braconid parasites perish during the winter,
and if the water is held late (until the latter part of May), they
are probably almost exterminated. If, therefore, they can be win-
tered under artificial conditions without much loss, it ought to be
possible to replenish the Phanerotoma parasitism on flowed bogs
by gathering fruit worms every summer, allowing them to form
their cocoons in captivity, wintering them in cold torage and re-
turning the parasites to the bog when they emerge the following
season. Of course, many unparasitized worms would be wintered
in this process, and as a result, many months would emerge with
the parasites, but there is so much difference in size between the
moths and parasites that I think they could be readily separated
with a screen. After they were separated, the moths would, of
course, be destroyed.

WATER MOVEMENT IN PEAT

As a part of the general study of cranberry bog drainage and
irrigation, it seemed desirable to learn somethii g about the rate
of the passage of water through peat, as compared with its move-
ment in other soils. For this purpose, on May 25th, twelve holes
three feet deep were dug eight feet apart in the State Bog, in a
line running straight across a section ninety-six feet wide, those
at each end of the line being located four feet from the ditch.
Stakes were driven in these holes, and levels from which to meas-
ure the rise and fall of the water in each were carefully deter-
'mind and marked upon them. In the latter part of May and in
June and July, observations and records were made, in connection
with the vertical movement of the water in these holes, whenever
the bog was being flooded or drained. The reco} d of May 29th is
here given in full, it being fairly representative.

On the morning of May 29th, the ditches surrounding the sec-
tion in which the holes were dug were comparatively empty, no
standing water being visible in any except the larger main ditch. The
level of the water in one of the two middle holes (hole No. 7) was
taken just before the bog pump was started at 9.30 A. M. and was
found to be 97.16, as measured from our bench mark (the eleva-
tion of the b. m. being regarded as 100 feet). It was practically the
same in hole No. 6. We pumped for one and one-quarter hours,
stopping at 10.45 A. M., when holes No. 1 and No. 2 on one side
of the section and No. 11 and No. 12 on the other side were full
of water from its having run over the surface of the sand into
them. The water level in the ditches and these holes was then, as

measured from the bench mark, 98.75. The surface water had not
run into the other holes at all or come anywhere near them. At 12,
noon, 114 hours after we stopped pumping, the water levels in each
of the 12 holes and in the ditches were taken and found to be as
follows:

Ditch

^98.48

Hole No.

-98.09

Hole

10—98.09

Hole No.

1—98.53

Hole No.

-98.00

Hole

No.

11—98.30

Hole No.

2—98.34

Hole No.

-98.07

Hole

No.

12—98.37

Hole No.

3—98.117

Hole No.

-98.10

Hole No.

4—98.15

Hole No.

-98.17

This record shows a variation of only about six and one-third
inches in the water level two and one-half hours after the pumping
was begun. Similar measurements were made again at 3.30 P. M.,
six hours after we began pumping and four and three-quarters
hours after we stopped, and the variation was then found to be
only about one and two-thirds inches, the various levels being as
follows:

Ditch

—98.29

Hole

No.

4—98.20

Hole No.

-98.21

Hole No.

1—98.29

Hole

No.

5—98.17

Hole No.

-98.26

Hole No.

2—98.26

Hole

No.

6—98.15

Hole No.

10-

-98.21

Hole No.

3—98.20

Hole

No.

7—98.21

Hole No,.
Hole No.

11-
12-

-98.26
-98.26

Beginning again at 4.20 P. M. (May 29th.), we pumped until
7 P. M. and then put in the planks and held all the water until
2 A. M. of the following morning, at which time the water level
on the bog was 99.00, all the 12 holes used in the above measure-
ments being entirely full. From 2 A. M., water was allowed to run
out of the bog freely until 10.45 A. M., when measurements of the
water levels in the ditches and in the holes were again taken, and
found to be as follows:

Ditches —97.48
Hole No. 1—97.57
Hole No. 2—97.71
Hole No. 3—97.71

Measured from our bench mark, the elevation of the surface
of the peat around these holes averaged roughly about 98.59. There
was, therefore, a drainage in the peat of considerably over nine
inches in less than nine hours, at the middle of the section, at a
distance of forty-eight feet from the nearest ditch. This shows
that the horizontal movement of water through the peat of cran-

Hole

No.

-97.73

Hole No.

-97.71

Hole

No.

-97.71

Hole No.

-97.72

Hole

No.

-97.79

Hole No.

10-

-97.76

Hole

No.

-97.78

Hole No.
Hole No.

11-
12-

-97.66
-97.63

berry bogs is a very rapid one, if conditions at the State Bog are
representative.

ROOT DEVELOPMENT

We have this year begun, in a rough way, a study of the sea-
sonal development of the root growth of the cranberry and have
been rather surprised at what we have found. Professor Coville,
of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the United States Department
of Agricultui-e, found that the root development of blueberries,
closely related to the cranberry, is very sluggish, as I told you in
my report last year. We find this also true of the cranberry,
though apparently not to so great an extent. Professor Coville
states ("Experiments in Blueberry Culture" by Frederick V. Cov-
ille, 1911. Bulletin No. 193 of the Bureau of Plant Industry, United
States Department of Agriculture.) that with blueberries there is
often no new root growth until the plants have developed both
leaves and blossoms. On our fungus plots this season, there was
practically no new root development until after the vines had
bloomed, and on the bog as a whole, most of the new growth came
after blossoming time. Our examinations have showed, however,
that the new roots start fairly early on bogs which are not winter
flowed. Some new rootlets were discovered on well sanded por-
tions of such bogs as early as May 7th. The winter flowage was
let off from the State Bog on May 5th, and no new root growth
could be found on it on May 7th. On May 26th, however, a con-
siderable development of new rootlets had already taken place,
though this new growth was all near the surface of the sand, the
lower roots, as a rule, showing no new development whatever. The
season's root growth on cranberry bogs evidently begins, therefore,
at the surface of the sand, where the roots have the most air and
heat. Our investigations later in the season have further indicated
that, while new roots finally develop deeper down in the bog, the
conditions that favor the starting of development near the surface
of the sand continue to have their influence throughout most of the
period of growth and probably cause the greater part of any sea-
son's root production to be developed within two inches of the
surface. What we have learned in this connection tends strongly
to disprove the ideas advanced in my report to this association two
years ago (pages 26 and 27), concerning injury done to the root
system by drowning with irrigation water.

As far as we have been able to discover, the degree of drain-
age does not affect the new root development in the first part of
the season (before the first of June, except that when the water
table is so high (say within three or four inches of the surface)

that it makes the surface sand soppy, the new rootlets are distinctly
larger and more succulent than when they grow under dryer con-
conditicns.

On the roots of many plants, among which are the blueberries,
cranberries and their allies, there is probably always present a cer-
tain kind of fungus to which botanists have given the name Mycor-
hiza. The threads of this fungus may be readily examined with
the microscope. They run along on the outside of the roots, often
forming a dense network around them, and also penetrate the root
tissues and develop within them to a great extent. It seems certain
that such a fungus must affect the plant with which it is associated.
Botanists have generally considered the Mycorhiza fungi beneficial,
believing that, in their close association with the roots of their
hosts, they perform for them some necessary function. It has been
suggested that, with such plants as the cranberry, the roots of
which are destitute of root hairs, these fungi may in some way
take the place of the hairs. They have also been suspected of hav-
ing a function similar to that of the root tubercle bacteria asso-
ciated with the roots of legumes, namely, the fixation of atmos-
pheric nitrogen. Recently, however, some German investigators
have advanced evidence tending to show that, with some plants at
least, these fungi are injurious rather than beneficial. Whatever
their true relationship may be, it must probably be of such im-
portance in one way or another, that detailed and accurate knowl-
edge concerning it would be of great value. We have this season
begun studies in this connection, in a rough way, with the idea of
first finding out, if possible, whether there is any great difference
in the abundance of these fungi present in different sorts of bogs,
attention being given particularly to comparisons between flowed
and dry bogs, old bogs and new plantings, and vines growing on
hard bottom and on peat bottom. While these studies have not
advanced far enough to reach any definite conclusions, I will say
that, in a general way, they seem to have shown that different bog
conditions may have a considerable bearing on the abundance of
Mycorhiza fungi present.

CRANBERRY DECORATIONS

Last fall, the possibility of introducing cranberry vines for
holiday decorations for dining rooms was investigated, and a patch
of Late Howe vines was left unpicked and was so protected from
frost until into November, by covering with canvas, that it kept
in good, green condition. Some of these vines were cut, and several
wreaths and other decorations, bearing the natural fruit, were
made from them, a damp moss foundation being used in every

case. From the standpoint of beauty, these decorations probably
could not be easily surpassed, and there seemed for a time to be
a considerable promise of success for them. It was found, even-
tually, however, that even though plunged in wet moss, the vines
did not endure the heat of warm rooms for more than two or three
days before they deteriorated badly in appearance. It became evi-
dent, therefore, that cranberry vines could not be used successfully
in this way. Possibly, however, a satisfactory decoration could be
made by putting them in gold-fish jars for table ornamentation.

REPORT OF INSURANCE

B\iJ. B. Hadawa})

Gentlemen:

Your Insurance Committee which consists of Mr. Marcus L.
Urann and myself are pleased to report that some progress has
been made towards obtaining a reduction in insurance rates on
buildings used in connection with the growing, harvesting and
marketing of cranberries.

The regular insurance rates upon such property at the present
time is 2^/^ per cent, and was established by the New England In-
surance Exchange.

In some instances much lower rates have been obtained by
growers who have fire-proof or semi-fire-proof buildings, and upon
wooden buildings which have been built on closed foundations of
brick, stone, or cement and located where they are free from forest
exposure.

Quite a few growers have obtained a rate of 1^^ per cent on
buildings which have been inspected by some member of the In-
surance Exchange, who fixed the rates in accordance with the risk
but upon buildings which have not been inspected, 2 per cent seems
to be about the best rate obtainable through local insurance
agencies.

Such a rate is about three times the amount charged upon the
ordinary country or town property involving an equal amount of
fire risk, and for that reason your committee was appointed with a
view of attempting to obtain a reduction in the prevailing insur-
ance rates.

The committee has been assisted by Mr. Samuel B. Cholerton
of the insurance firm of Lewis G. Lowe & Son, having offices at
Boston and Bridgewater, and it was through his efforts that a
mee'ting was held yesterday with Mr. J. J. Cornish of the Ne\y
England Insurance Exchange.

Our interview was a pleasant and satisfactory one, and we
gained some knowledge of the methods employed in arriving at the
rates of insurance which are charged.

Mr. Cornish, who hails from Cape Cod, realizes that the cran-
berry industry has undergone a considerable change during the past
few years and that formally the majority of the berries were grown
on small bogs by individual growers and stored and screened in
small buildings of no great value, as a rule, which necessitated a
substantial rate of insurance to make insurance policies pay. At
the present time the majority of the berries are grown by stock
companies and a few individuals who have large bogs, and large
substantial screen and store houses built of materials that are less
liable to catch fire and which are entitled to be insured at a lower
rate than those that are not so well built and located.

Mr. Cornish recommended that a list of the principal bog-
houses be prepared, giving their location so that they may be in-
spected by some of the experts connected with the Insurance Ex-
change, together with representatives of this association in an
endeavor to gain an idea as to what would be fair rates of insur-
ance on the different grades of buildings.

He also stated that the Insurance Exchange wished to be fair
in the matter, and that improvements, such as closed stone or
cement foundations, fire-proof or semi-fire-proof building, fire ap-
paratus, cleanness, buildings located where they are not subjected
to forest exposure, would all help to lessen the fire risk and per-
mit them to make a lower rate of insurance than the present pre-
v^ailing rates.

Here are a few things which growers should know about the
present insurance rates, taking into consideration the standard
rate of 2^/^ per cent.

A v/ell constructed chimney of brick (preferably tile lined) will
lessen the rate of insurance about 25 cents on each $100 insured.
Closed foundations of cement or stone, 25 cents reduction on each
$100. No trees or shubbery within one hundred feet or more of the
building, 25 cents reduction on each $100 insured.

A further reduction may be obtained by haviiig located on each
floor within the buildings tanks of fire extinguishing chemicals.
Keeping your building clean and free from rubbish will lessen your
fire risk and count for something when the inspector comes around.
If you are to build a new building of wood, cover the walls and
roofs with asbestos four ply siding, and roofing, or else cover the
walls with metal lathing and plaster % of an inch thick with
cement. The asbestos covering costs no more than good shingle
and with a good foundation makes a practically fire-proof build-

ing on the outside. I would advise against the use of galvanized
iron for roofing and siding for pump houses. "Notwithstanding,
I have two built of such material for the reason that should your
build'.ng be subjected to a forest fire, the iron would have a ten-
dency to curl and let the fire in. If you have a piece of wood land
adjacent your building its a good idea to keep a strip of ground
well ploughed between your building and the woods.

If growers of Cape Cod cranberries will build and fix their
building on the lines suggested, I feel certain that this Association
through a committee will be able to get the insurance rates re-
duced to about one per cent on well constructed buildings properly
located, and even a less rate on those that are fire-proof or semi-fi.re-
proof.

Pumping plants located back in the woods naturally will be
charged the maximum rate of insurance, but the rates of insurance
may be kept comparatively low in most instances by keeping the
surroundings clean and free from forest exposure.

If any member present has been unable to obtain a satisfactory
rate of insurance on a well constructed cranberry builSing, I would
advise him to have his insurance agent confer with the district
agent of the Insurance Exchange and have such district agent ex-
amine the building and set a rate.

I would recommend that an insurance committee be appoiiited
for the ensuing year to carry to a conclusive the work which has
been started by your present committee and that there be not less
than three members on the committee.

PROFESSOR MORSE

Of Amherst

This season has been wholly unlike the two previous ones in
weather conditions and has required very different treatment of
the experimental bogs. Very little rain fell after removing the
flood water from the surface, so that there was very little loss of
seepage water. Then throughout the summer, rains were frequent
enough to supply practically all the water required. Water was
added once after the longest period of dry weather; but it doubt-
less would not have been needed. The water has purposely been
held about 30 inches below the surface of the sand of the bogs, with
the view of discouraging vine-growth.

This matter of vine-growth is a very puzzling problem. The
bogs show a strong tendency to run to vines, and the problem of
thinning is no easy one to work out and maintain anything like
uniformity on the bogs. The relation of vine-growth to water
movement, or soil texture, which is practically the same thing, is

closer than between it and the fertilizers and there appears also
to be least fruit where there is most vine-growth, that is in extreme
case. In pruning these small bogs, it will be a matter of consider-
able skill and good judgment to prune the vines and maintain a
proper proportion of fruit branches or uprights on the vines left
uncut.

Last year's yield of berries was disappointing in its wide vari-
ations in yield on bogs in the same pairs, to which identical fertili-
zers had been applied. For example, in Pair No. 7, Bog A yielded
436 grams of fruit and Bog B only 5 grams. This was the widest
divergence and represented almost the maximum and minimum
quantities for the whole set of bogs. Other variations were less
wide, but such yields as 30 grams on 15 A and 243 on 15 B occurred
-on several pairs. Consequently it was impossible to determine that
fertilizers exercised any influence on the yields. Nitrate of soda
did not appear effective on either fruit or vines. This seemed rea-
sonable because of the amount of nitrogen in the peat and in the
bog-water, as mentioned in previous reports.

This summer, the sand from several bogs top-dressed with ni-
trates has been tested for their presence, in comparison with the
sand from the bogs which received no nitrates. The results were
closely similar and the amount was no more than traces, but pos-
itively present in both sets. Nitrates of soda, lime, potash, and
ammonia are all readily soluble in water, so it is not surprising if
nitrates cannot be found present at any given time.

In fact, nitrates may be absent altogether when the soil is
sampled. For example, three years ago, out of 17 samples of sand
from the plots on the Station Bog at Wareham, 10 samples showed
no nitrates present, but 7 did, and in my opinion this is enough to
justify the inference that nitrates form in small amounts in all
sands at times and can furnish direct supplies of nitrogen to the
vines.

Studies of the bog — water have shown that much of the phos-
phoric acid is in the form of a slimy compound of iron phosphate
and is removed when the water is filtered through a porcelain filter
under strong pressure. It would seem as though this particular
form of phosphate was not available to the rootlets of the plants.

However, there has usually been found a trace of phosphoric
acid in the filtered water, so that there is not necessarily a lack
of the substance in available form. It is very probable that soluble
phosphates applied in fertilizers soon become changed to this slimy
iron phosphate, just as they would if poured together in test tubes
in the laboratory.

Potash has never failed to reveal itself in soluble compounds
in the filtered bog-water, w^hether from fertilized or unfertilized
bogs.

Take it all in all, the need of fertilizers on a deep peat bottom
does not appear urgent for cranberries, where water is abundant
and readily controlled. They may be required on dry bogs and on
hard bottoms, since there the conditions are not unlike the growth
of farm crops on drained peat or in irrigated gardens.

The application of hydrated or slaked lime to one pair of bogs
has teen continued and now they have received three annual spring
dressings at the rate of one ton per acre at each time, or a total
of 3 tons per acre. There seems to be no effect. So far lime seems
neither helpful nor hurtful to vines or fruit. If cranberries are not
a lime-loving plant, the use of lime from a fertilizer standpoint
would not be warranted; but sometimes plants endure conditions
which are not advantageous, and it is worth while to continue this
trial to determine whether the lime will always be indifferent in its
action.

MR. RANE

The State Forester

As Mr. Burgess of the United States Department of Agricul-
ture, who is in charge of moth operations conducted by the Federal
Government, is here today, and as he has made a very thorough
study of the gypsy moth problem, and is to address you later in
the day, I shall not take much of your time in discussing the sub-
ject.

You are doubtless, most of you, familiar with the long, ex-
pensive warfare waged by Massachusetts against the gypsy and
brown-tail moth pests covering a period of twenty years, and for
that reason it is not my purpose to attempt to recite in detail the
history of that campaign.

The pages of history reveal the fact that for centuries man-
kind in all parts of the world has been subjected at various times
to the losses and the annoyances caused by the ravages of insect
pests. There are few, if any, crops which one may attempt to
raise that do not require protection from insect depredations. Since
the discovery of gypsy moths on the cranbei-ry bogs, considerable
apprehension has been felt in some quarters with regard to the
possibility of saving the bogs from complete destruction. I desire
to go on record as stating that in my opinion, with proper methods
employed to safeguard these bogs, there is no necessity for alarm.

Forestry methods should be applied to woodlands bordering on
bogs. Within a comparatively few years it has been found from

close observation that while the gypsy moth will eat practically-
all varieties of vegetation it thrives best on certain species of trees,
such as the oak, birch, and a limited number of others. With this
knowledge on hand we should immediately inaugurate a policy de-
signed to eliminate, so far as possible, the trees most favored by
the moth, substituting the more resistant trees such as white pine
and other conifers. In those places where this method for any
reason is not deemed wise or expedient, mich good may be accom-
plished by spraying a belt of the trees one hundred or one hundred
and fifty feet wide around the borders of the bog.

REMARKS BY MR. A. F. BURGESS

In Charge of Moth Worl^, United States Department of Agriculture

The preceding speakers have alluded to the Army Worm and
in this connection I would like to sav that there is considerable
difference of opinion in regard to the reason for sudden outbreaks
of this insect. There is a theory that these outbreaks are due to
heavy migrations of this insect from the south and this is being
tested experimentally by the Bureau of Entomology this ^summer.

The Army Worm has been very common, not only in Massa-
chusetts, but in many sections of the United States east of the
Mississippi River. In New England it has been abundant and
destructive in Connecticut, and I have had one report of its occur-
ence in Maine. Doubtless it has been present in the other New Eng-
land states.

The feeding of the gypsy moth caterpillars on cranberry bogs
has not been noticeable until recently. About tv/o years ago a re-
port was received that a bog in Scituate, Mass., was being injured.
I examined this bog early in July, but was not able to satisfy my-
self that the injury had been severe. A large number of nearly
grown caterpillars were found in the bog and many of these were
dead. Apparently they had been killed by exposure to the extreme
heat, as the weather just at that time was extremely warm.

Gypsy moth egg clusters have been found this year in a bog
at Carver, belonging to Mr. Washburn. The clusters had hatched,
and as the bog had been flooded during the winter, it is evident
that the eggs are not destroyed by flooding. Several other bogs
in the same vicinity were injured to a greater or less extent by the
gypsy moth caterpillars. The small caterpillars feed on the new
growth and many of the terminal shoots containing the fruit buds
are cut off early in the season. This greatly curtails the crop. In
one bog, nearly one-half of the area was injured so badly that a
very small crop will be harvested. On another bog the injury oc-

curred in patches, particularly along the edges of the ditches. Ap-
parently the small caterpillars were blown into the bog by the
wind, as the woodland surrounding it was not defoliated as was the
case with the first bog mentioned.

We have not secured information enough this year to warrant
a statement as to the best and cheapest method of protecting cran-
berries from injury by the gypsy moth. It would be very advisable,
however, for owners to cut the trees on a belt of several hundred
feet surrounding the bog. It is not necessary to cut the pine, but
the oak trees should be removed as their foliage is favored by the
gypsy moth caterpillars. In case the infestauon is extremely
heavy it may be desirable to spray the trees bordering this belt,
but if the infestation is light this should not be necessary. The
removal of oak and the encouragement of the growth of pine is
good practice, inasmuch as the latter is the more valuable tree, and
most of the territory of this section is suitable for its growth. Un-
doubtedly considerable good can be accomplished by spraying with
arsenate of lead, but more information on this point should be
secured by definite experiments before it can be determined whether
this is the cheapest method of handling the trouble.

On one bog of 10 acres where the damage occurred in spots,
the owners estimated that the loss of crop this year would amount
to about $75.00 per acre.

PROFESSOR W. P. BROOKS

Director of Experimental Station at Amherst
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It gives me very much pleasure to meet you here today and
to address you briefly upon a few phases of the experimental work
with cranberries with which I am connected.

Through the courtesy of the publishers I regularly receive the
Wareham Courier, a paper which I presume very many of you
cranberry growers take. In a recent number I found a short article,
which probably many of you have read, that urged the desirability
of a larger expenditure of Station funds in the interests of cran-
berry growers. The argument upon which such larger expenditure
was based was briefly this. That Dr. Franklin, whose education,
experience and abilities fit him in unusual degree for work of the
very highest class, is forced under existing conditions to give con-
siderable time to work which might perhaps quite as well be done
be a comparatively low-priced assistant under Dr. Franklin's dir-
ection. The argument is one with which I do not quarrel. I know
that it is in a c^tain sense a waste of talent for Dr. Franklin to

attend to some of the kinds of work which must be done here; al-
though no doubt he does even these better than any subordinate
would.

The Experiment Station, however, has its financial limitations
and it seems to me best that I should take you into my confidence
for I desire you to understand the conditions under which we work,
believing that when you do understand you will agree with me
that we are putting as much into the cranberry work as the funds
which we receive and the obligations in other directions under which
we work will justify.

The Station receives from the state at the present time the
sum of $20,000 per year. There is an understanding that the
amount appropriated by the state is to be increased $5000 per
year for the next four years. At the end of the four years, there-
fore, we shall receive $20,000 more annually than we get at the
present time, or $40,000 in all from the State.

The Station receives from the United States Government $30,-
000 annually and I think there is no prospect that the appropriation
fi'om the Federal treasury will be increased in the near future.

During the current fiscal year, then, the total appropriations
(State and Federal) to the Experiment Station have amounted to
$50,000. I believe we are putting a fair proportion of this total
amount into the cranberry work.

The yearly cranberry crop of Massachusetts varies in value
from about $1,5,00,000 to $2,000,000, varying of course with the size
of the crop and the prices received. The total value of the agri-
cultural products of the state amounts to about $75,000,000 annual-
ly. The cranberry crop, therefore, cannot comprise more than
about one-fortieth of the value of the total agricultural products
of the State. I suppose as good a basis as any for deciding the
relative expenditure in the interests of agricultural specialties is
the proportion of the value of product to the total product. Our
total appropriation annually is $50,000. One-fortieth of that is
$1250. This, then, would seem to be an equitable assignment of
funds to be used in the interests of cranberry growing.

The fact is we are putting much more than that into the work.
The total annual expenditure varies largely with the crop, the
total expenditure during the last fiscal year amounting to rather
over $5000. It is true a considerable share of this total is covered
by the receipts for berries sold, but while the crop of last year
sold for rather over $6000 the crop of the year before sold for only
about $1000. We cannot of course expect an average yield equal
to that of last year, and if we devide the receipts of the two years
into two equal parts the amount available for experimental work

in as ingle year is only about $3500. As already pointed out our
expenditure was over $5000, so that the Station is putting- into the
work out of general funds a sum considerably in excess of the $1250
which I have tried to show you would be an equitable share in the
total. I trust, therefore, that you will agree with me that we are
putting into the work as much as under present conditions can be
expected, but I wish to assure you that I am disposed to do as much
in the interests of cranberry growing as the conditions under which
we work will justify.

I believe that on consideration of the facts stated you will
agree with me in my conclusion. What then can be done to render
it unnecessary that Dr. Franklin shall use a part of his valuable
time for work not absolutely requiring a man' of his ability ? Per-
haps you will think that we should go to the Legislature for an in-
crease in appropriations. That during the next four years at least
would be highly unwise for there was a tacit understanding at the
time when the annual increase to which I have referred was voted
that no more should be asked during the period covered by the act.
You will see, therefore, that our hands are practically tied, and if
you believe that an assistant should be employed, either you your-
selves must provide the funds, or, if you think best, you as cran-
berry growers may appeal to the Legislature for a special appro-
priation for cranberry work.

You may be interested in the artificial cranberry bogs which
have been referred to in earlier years, which have been devised and
put in in the hope of throwing light upon the specific effects of
different plant food elements and combinations upon the cranberry.
The illustrations in the pamphlets which have been distributed will
make the construction and general equipment of these bogs clear.

The cylinders which are two feet in diameter and four feet
deep were filled nearly to the top with thoroughly mixed cedar
swamp peat, collected and forwarded to Amherst through the
courtesy of your president. Care was taken to put precisely the
same weight in each. Equal care was taken to cover the peat after
it had been settled with precisely equal weights of sand to the depth
of about four inches. The vines were set in the usual way. You
will notice that the arrangement makes it possible to hold water
in these bogs at any desired level and by the addition in winter of
galvanized iron rings the bogs are flooded as in commercial cran-
berry growing.

The questions will arise in the minds of some I presume: Why
so much trouble and expense? Why not determine the specific
effects of plant food elements and combinations in the open bog?
Would it not be better to try experiments of that kind on a larger

scale in the ordinary bog, rather than upon such a small scale?

I will not go into much detail concerning the reasons why the
small bogs promise to be useful and better than plots in the open
bog. One point only I wish to make clear: in the open bog, since
it is customary and practically speaking necessary to flood at times,
soluble plant food elements are taken up by the water and therefore
are certain to be carried from one neighboring plot to another so
that it would be impossible to get clear indications as to cumula-
tive effects of different elements and combinations. The little bogs
shown in the illustrations avoid these disadvantages. In themselves
they would not be sufficient to settle plant food problems, but they
furnish an important means of following the effects from year to
year of different elements and combinations and serve as most
valuable checks on the open bog plot results.

Professor Morse is making a careful study of the chemistry
of the bog waters and products as affected by varying fertilizer
treatment and he will have something to say on that subject.

I shall leave the full discussion of the work of this Station
for the past year to Dr. Franklin, but I wish to say a few words
conceiTiing that part of it with which I have been most closely
identified, viz. the effect of fertilizers.

Upon this subject it is not necessary to say much at the present
time. The general conclusions which I have stated when address-
ing you at previous meetings on this subject are, I believe, still
valid. I say this in spite of the fact that the result of the use of
fertilizers during the last crop year was absolutely negative. No
fertilizer gave an appreciable increase in crop. I think the failure
to show increase may have been connected with these two facts:

1. The fertilizers were put on late — July 15. The application
was deferred until that late date as Dr. Franklin did not feel any
assurance previous to that time that reflooding for protection
against frosts might not be necessary. With a practical grower the
fact that re-flooding might be necessary need not deter him from
earlier application of fertilizers; but where the fertilizers are ap-
plied differently to plots which are almost contiguous for experi-
mental purposes it is clearly impossible to flood, the materials ap-
plied being many of them soluble, without inevitably transferring
materials in solution from one plot to the other so that it would
be absolutely impossible to determine the effects of the different
fertilizer elements. Late application last year was therefore judged
to be necessary.

2. Subsequent to this late application the weather until the
crop was practically grown continued exceptionally hot and dry,
and this fact coupled with the late application I believe accounted
for the failure of the fertilizers to show any effect.

I may here remark that a different result may be anticipated
this season. First, because the materials were applied earlier;
and second, because there were frequent rains shortly after appli-
cation.

For the benefit of those in the audience who may not have
heard my statement of my general conclusions I will very briefly
refer to them.

Nitrate of soda has a great effect in promoting vine growth.
A relatively small amount only as a rule seems useful. I believe
that 150 pounds per acre will usually prove adequate.

2. It is doubtful if nitrate should be used at all except on bogs
where the vine growth is ordinarily comparatively feeble and in
years when a heavy yield is indicated. Under these conditions its
application is likely to mean berries of larger size and more vine
growth in preparation for the crop of the following year.

The use of phosphoric acid in ouc bog experiments has not
apparently affected either vine growth or yield of berries to an ap-
preciable extent. From what is known, however, concerning the
effect of phosphoric acid in highly available form (in which form it
is supplied by acid phosphate) in promoting early maturity it may,
I think, be confidently anticipated that the application of a moderate
amount of acid phosphate will mean, other things being equal,
ripening at a somewhat earlier date, and probably also as a conse-
quence of greater ripeness at the usual time of picking, a better
color.

In the earlier experiments with fertilizers on Red Brook Bog,
lying in Falmouth and Mashpee, it seemed clear that the appli-
cation of potash produced fruit larger and better in quality than
that produced where potash was not applied. The qualities which
seemed to be especially affected were general solidity which would
apparently make the berries better keepers, and higher and brighter
color. The fact that potash proves beneficial is perhaps explained
by the well-known fact that the peats and mucks which are the
foundation of most cranberry bogs are naturally very deficient in
that element.

A line of thought occurs to me here which is in the nature of
a digression, but I call your attention to it, knowing that most of
you are probably interested in upland crops as well as in cran-
berries. My experience leads me to believe that it is entirely pos-
sible for an intelligent and careful observer to determine by ex-
amination of a growing crop whether it is sufficiently supplied with
potash in available form. The key to the condition as regards
potash is afforded by the color of the foliage. Where potash is
deficient this is of a dark, dull, almost bluish green, and the leaves

are comparatively small in size. On the other hand when the crop
is sufficiently supplied with potash in available form the foliage
is of a bright, lively color which I should describe as pea green, i. e.
green in which there is a hint of yellow. You will understand that
the shade to which I refer is something very different from the dis-
tinct yellow shown by crops which are suffering for water or starving
for plant food. I am unable to say whether cranberry foliage will
show the differences which I have tried to make clear, but they are
readily detected in all upland crops.

Another line of thought in which I believe you will be interested
is connected with the question of frost protection. This, as you
of course, understand, is a relatively easy matter in the case of
bogs with sufficient water for reflowing. It is, on the other hand,
an extremely difficult problem on the dry bogs. On these bogs, as
you are well aware, there is often serious loss through the killing
of the flowers in the spring as well as of fruit by early autumnal
frosts. I believe this loss can be largely prevented.

You are probably aware that tobacco growers of the Connecti-
cut Valley are beginning to produce this crop under cloth. The crop
is referred to as "shade tobacco." The fields are covered with
loosely woven cloth supported by wires and connected with the tops
of posts about nine feet in height. Relatively few tobacco growers
as yet produce the crop under cloth, but there are a few hundred
acres so produced. To prepare the land for the tobacco crop under
this system involves an expenditure at the rate of about $250 to
$300 per acre for the first year; less in subsequent years since the
posts and wires will last for a considerable period of time. The
tobacco growers use the cloth only a single yea?". As a result of
the protracted exposure to rain and sun it is considerably weakened.
As a rule it is still whole and has a moderate amount of strength,
but the risk of injury should the cloth be torn by the wind is so
great that tobacco growers are in the habit of buying new cloth
every year. The cloth which they have used for a single year they
have thus far sold to paper mills and the usual price is about three
cents per pound. I believe that this used cloth would be sufficiently
strong for use by the cranberry growers and that the same cloth
might be used by them for a considerable number of years since it
would not be necessary to have it long exposed to the weather. The
experiment is certainly worth trying, for I feel certain that your
ingenuity will make it possible to devise convenient and effective
means for covering and uncovering when frost conditions indicate
the necessity of protection.

Dr. Franklin is to experiment this year, but I shall be very
glad if a number of growers will co-operate for the expense at

three cents per pound for cloth will be comparatively small. Among
shade tobacco growers from whom it may be possible to purchase
cloth at the close of the present season that I can recall are the
following: Cyrus M. Hubbard and Geo. H. Hubbard, both of Sun-
derland.

I thank you for your attention.

Question — Do you think it possible to put it up for a short time
in the spring ?

Answer — No. I think it should be put on only nights when
there appears to be danger of frosts and removed the following
morning. Should the bog be left covered the cloth would interfere
with the pollination of the flowers by insects.

Question — Couldn't it be put on a roller with a crank and run
out into the bog?

Answer — That would seem to me to be a practicable method,
although I do not think any injury would follow should the cloth
lie directly on the vines over night.

MR. N. P. WESCOTT

Eastern Shore of Virginia Produce Exchange
Ladies and Gentlemen:

The section from which I come is the Eastern Shore of Vir-
ginia, a strip of land which is about seventy miles long and about
ten miles wide, lying between Maryland and the Chesepeake Bay.

Before our organization was formed, the products, before going
into the markets had to pass through what we called the middle mer-
chant's hands. By these means, the farmers got very little profit
from their products. Now, the purpose of our organization was to
do away with these middle merchants and have the produce go
directly from the farmers to the buyers. Of course the products
that we deal in are very different than cranberries, being mostly
sweet potatoes.

When our organization was first founded there were only about
three hundred members. For about three years, it was in a weak
condition. Of course these middle merchants opposed our organ-
ization, but nevertheless we overcame them and at the end of the
third year we found that we had increased in membership and also
in resources and trade.

At the present time we have about 3000 members and there
is in our association over 5000 automobiles, not over half of them
being Fords.

In speaking of these middle merchants it brings to my mind
an incident which happened at my home quite a few years ago. It
was as follows:

A farmer, who was very crafty, ran short of first class sweet
potatoes and thought he would fool the merchants by filling the
barrels half full of seconds and then the rest of it with the first
class potatoes. He sent the first carload and heard nothing about
it from the merchant. As long as the merchant said nothing and
paid him his price he hept sending the barrels in the same condition.

One day he thought he would go and see the merchant and
ask him how he had succeeded in selling the potatoes. When the
merchant answered his questions he did so in the following manner:

"I have made good out of your craftiness. I separated the
seconds from the first and sold each one separately and thereby
made just about twice as much as I expected."

Now, in speaking of the subject of our organization, I would
inform you that we have offices scattered all over the United States,
our head offices being at the place where the association was first
founded. Our organization is so strong now at the present time
that it would take quite a hard blow to destroy it.

The profits of the organization does not always go into the
treasury. When there is over a certain amount at the end of the
year over what is needed for expenses for the following year, it is
divided among the members of the association.

In 1913 we had very little money to divide as the expenses for
that year were heavy. This year we expect to have about $100,000
to divide up. This gives you an idea of the bi^iness our associa-
tion does. We have not only the trade of the Western Shore of
Virginia, but of the whole United States.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CROPS

Received reports from 123 crops last year, 141,307 barrels,
statement for this year expect 164,811, an increase over last year
of 16 per cent.

General reports say that crop will be one week late this year,
but with a quality superior to last year.

REPORT OF TREASURER

Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association
Debit
Jan. 1. Balance on hand, $525.50

Membership fees and annual dues, 17.05

Oct. 1. New members, 118.00

Annual dues. 235.00

Contributions, 29.50

Dinner tickets sold, 238.00

Credit

Jan. 17. L. C. Hall, printing. $20.15

Mar. 28. J. C. Makepeace, barrel bill, 28.66

July 30. L. C. Hall, printing, 49.00

Aug. 11. Z. H. Jenkins, barrel bill, 38.14

Aug. 25. A. T. O'Brien, barrel bill, 55.00

Aug. 25. J. J. Beaton, barrel bill, 29.95

Aug. 25. J. T. Hennessey, barrel bill, 29.95

Aug. 25. J. C. Makepeace, barrel bill, 49.89

A. D. Makepeace Co., telegrams, 34.65

Sept. 1. Wm. T. Makepeace, barrel bill, 37.19

Sept. 10. N. P. Wescott, annual meeting, 28.27

Sept. 22. T. W. Whitfield, dinner, 225.00

Oct. 1. A. D. Makepeace Co., postage, etc., 23.55

Oct. 1. Miss Carr, report annual meeting, 12.00

Oct. 1. Balance, Wareham Savings Bank, 400.00

Oct. 1. Balance Wareham National Bank, 101.65

$1163.05

MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Any person interested in promoting cranberry culture, or any
business pertaining thereto, is eligible as a member of the corpora-
tion.

The dues shall be one dollar for a year, or any fraction there-
of, payable to the quarter on or before the annual meeting.

All candidates for membership shall sign an application (which
must be accompanied by dues of one dollar for the balance of the
year to the next annual meeting) to the Board of Directors, and,
if approved by the directors at any meeting held for that purpose,
or by written approval of at least seven of the directors, he shall
be enrolled as a member.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association will be found
to be of mutual benefit to all those who are in any way connected
with the industry and all such are urged to become members. A
strong association is necessary for the best interests of the busi-
ness, and you should all, who are not now members, join at once
and help the cause along.

APPLICATION BLANK

To the Secretary of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association:

I hereby make application for membership in the Cape Cod
Cranberry Growers' Association and enclose fee of $1.00.

(Signed )

28th Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR

19 15

TOGETHER WITH REPORT
OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN
IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI-
MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREHAM

Upon motion of Mr. H. W. Brown it was voted that
the chair appoint a committee of five to make recommen-
dations in the matter of wages to be paid for picking.
The chair appointed the following : Harry W. Brown, 0.
L. Gurney, Henry J. Thayer, Chester E. Weston, W. A.
Tillson.

Mr. J. M. Bump called the attention of members to
the danger of injury to bogs by the gypsy moth. It was
voted that the chair appoint a committee of five to confer
with the State Forester to see if assistance could be ob-
tained from the State in the destruction of gypsy moths
on bogs and surrounding woodland, and the following
were appointed : Seth C. C. Finney, J. M. Bump, John W.
Churchill, Irving C. Hammond, FrankHn F. Marsh.

Professor William P. Brooks, director of the station,
addressed the meeting briefly on the future plans of the
station.

Professor F. W. Morse spoke of his studies of the
chemical composition of flowage waters and vine growth
upon the "Little Bogs" at Amherst, which are vines
grown experimentally in large drain tiles.

Attention of the members was called to the increas-
ing number of complaints of breakage of barrels in tran-
sit. These complaints come from both the railroads and
the purchasers of cranberries and have become a source
of much annoyance and an increasing loss. The meeting
was addressed on this subject by Mr. C. M. Chaney of
American Cranberry Exchange, as follows:

Proper Loading and Stowing of Carlot Shipments of
Cranberries

Mr. President and Members of the Cape Cod Cranberry

Growers* Association:

In addressing you on this subject, I trust that none
of you will feel that I am presumptuous, for I assure you
that it is not my intention to try to convince you that
you do not know anything about the proper manner of

loading cranberries in cars, for I know that most of you
have had more experience along this line than I have. It
is my purpose to present you the facts from the carriers'
and the consignees' side of the question and to offer you
such suggestions as in my opinion will be of assistance
to all.

I know that it is the desire of all of you to have your
shipments reach destination in as nearly perfect condi-
tion as possible, and not only that the fruit arrive in good
condition, but that the package be intact. It is not a very
pleasing sight to the jobber or receiver of a carload of
cranberries to find upon opening the car at destination,
five to twenty barrels smashed and the contents on the
car floor. Not only are the contents of the damaged bar-
rels affected, but it spoils the outer appearance of nearly
every barrel on the lower tier, or will spoil them in un-
loading the car, for, as you can readily realize, it is im-
possible to gather up the loose berries on the car floor
until the car is unloaded, and the percentage of these
loose berries that are merchantable after they are gath-
ered up is usually very small. Shipments arriving in this
condition offer an excuse for rejections and it is liable to
be taken advantage of on a weak market.

Now, it is the damage by breakage, and consequent
claims on the Pacific Coast shipments that has brought
the matter forcibly to the attention of the railroads and
has caused them to start an investigation.

I do not believe there has been any change in the
general method of loading cars during the past several
years, which method has been to lay the barrels on their
sides crosswise of the car, and as for the reasons for this
breakage being more prevalent during recent years than
heretofore, there are probably two. One is that possibly
you are using a cheaper barrel and another is that nearly
all of the new refrigerator cars that have been built by
the various lines during the past few years are froru
eight to twelve inches wider than the old cars, which

leaves a space at one side of the car or the other of fif-
teen to eighteen inches, providing each tier is loaded
close up together, and if they are not it stiU leaves this
excess space distributed in the car, and, without bulkhead-
ing or bracing of some kind, it leaves room for the bar-
rels to shift and if the tiers are stowed close together, it
will leave enough space on one side of the car or the other
for the barrels on the top row to fall down between the
end of the barrels in the next to the top tier and the side
of the car, and get in a position while en route where they
will receive unusual pressure, and, when they do, about
the first thing that happens is that the head of the bar-
rel comes out and as soon as the head is out, of course,
the barrel collapses.

I quote below from letters addressed to me by J. W.
Sheehan, superintendent of the Trans-Continental Freight
Bureau. The Trans-Continental Freight Bureau is an
association composed of the various trans-continental
lines and it is the purpose of this Bureau to assist both
the shippers and the carriers in every way possible to
avoid damage and save claims on shipments of all com-
modities. His letter reads as follows :

"We are taking the liberty of addressing you relative to your
shipments of cranberries, particularly those moving trans-con-
tinently, believing that you are jointly interested with carriers in
having your berries reach your customers in salable condition.

"We have watched the movement of this commodity very close-
ly this season and have arrived at the conclusion that not only were
barrels found to be poorly constructed, but the loading was not
performed in such a way as to warrant the berries being carried
safely.

"We have examined 98 per cent of the shipments destined to
San Francisco and can truthfully state that every car received was
in poor condition owing to the improper loading, stowing, bracing
of the load and head weakness of the barrels.

"Our examination of all these cars at San Francisco was such
as to call for immediate action on our part, and we took the matter
up vigorously with the shippers in the cranberry shipping district,
suggesting that they apply head lining to their barrels so as to
prevent the heads from coming out. Further, we suggested that

they stow their barrels in rows of three, cross-wise of the car
about four inches apart so as to fill the car floor in order that no
space would be left large enough to permit the barrels on the top
rows to tip over.

"Some of the shippers to whom we wrote did supply their bar-
rels with head lining and stowed them in the cars according to our
suggestions, and for your information we would advise that these
cars reached here in perfect condition.

"We do not believe it is the desire of any cranberry shipper
that their cars should reach here in damaged condition, nor do we
believe that their customers are at all pleased in receiving damaged
berries. To avoid all this annoyance, we are writing you to assist
us as much as possible to eliminate this damage to cranberry ship-
ments by having your barrels equipped with head lining, and to
see that they are stowed in the cars in a manner which will assure
their reaching destination in perfect condition.

"We have laid particular stress on having barrels re-enforced
with head linings and still believe the use of same is an important
factor in overcoming the difficulties with which we are confronted.
On such shipments as we have inspected that were so constz'ucted
there was no damage. Our experience has been that whatever
happens to the barrel the place where they break is at the heads.
It is probably true, as claimed by some shippers, that if the proper
quality of timber is used and the barrels are properly headed they
would arrive intact, but it is also glaringly apparent that a great
number of the barrels are not properly headed to withstand the
ordinary perils of transportation.

"As to the question of stowing the load: There appears to be
different methods employed by the various shippers, some stowing
in rows of three crosswise of the car in tiers, three or four barrels
high so that the barrels touch one another. This leaves a space of
from 12 to 18 inches on one side of the car. When this method is
employed no dunnage or bracing has been used and it naturally
follows that this permits of the barrels on the top tiers to shift and
jam down between the second tier and the side of the car and the
pressure brought to bear causes the head to fall out, resulting in
spilling the berries. If the barrels were of proper construction
and the load properly braced, the chance for shifting and incidental
damage would be reduced. Then again, where for instance a car is
not loaded to a uniform height no bracing is used and consequently,
there being nothing to hold the end barrels, the motion of the car
causes them to shift around, the result of which is spilling of the
berries, causing a total loss thereto and also staining the lower tier
barrels.

"We believe that the staggering method of stowing would go
a long way in eliminating the trouble experienced on account of
the load shifting, that is, where bulk-heads and dunnage of suffi-
cient strength is not used, and if the loading in this manner is
properly supervised and particular pains taken the barrels will not
be damaged, but haphazard loading would not solve the question.
It must be done in a careful manner and as outlined above where
the car is not loaded throughout to a uniform height, sufficient
bracing should be used to hold the barrels rigid."

Now, from the tone of these letters, I think you will
agree with me that the Trans-Continental Hnes at least
exhibit nothing but fairness and a desire to co-operate
with the shippers in every way that they possibly can,
and, while a great many of their suggestions to correct
this evil are good, it may be that some of you have equal-
ly as good suggestions. You will note that none of these
letters contain any threat as to the carriers refusing to
honor claims for this breakage, but I feel that unless we
show a spirit of co-operation and try to do something to
lessen our claims on account of this damage that eventual-
ly they will not give breakage claims the same considera-
tion that they have in the past. As to what these claims
have been amounting to per year, will say that, while I
have no way of getting the exact figures, I estimate that
they would total up not less than $5,000 for Massachu-
setts and New Jersey per year.

In regard to the suggestions that they offer to cor-
rect this, will say that, in my opinion, if every grower who
ships a car of cranberries loaded them in the manner as
suggested and also furnished head liners, the total ex-
pense would be a very small percentage of the total
amount of the claims. You are probably aware of the
fact that the railroads require almost every other shipper
of perishable commodities to furnish dunnage and prop-
erly brace their shipments, which is very expensive, and
I should hate to see the time when it would be necessary
for you to put bulkheads in each car, as suggested by Mr.
Sheehan.

Mr. Sheehan has suggested two ways of loading.
One is to load each tier about four inches apart. An-
other is to load them in a staggering manner, diagram of
which I have with me, and, as you know, he urges the
use of head liners. My personal opinion is that the stag-
gering method is the better one, and I, too, advise the use
of head liners. It may be too late for a great many of
you to secure a supply of these head liners for this season,
but, in the absence of your being able to use the head
liners, I would advise your instructing your teamsters
who load the cars to load them in the staggering fashion,
and, in this connection, will say that I have suggested to
Mr. Sheehan that he take the matter up with the Claim
Departments or the proper officials of the originating
lines and suggest that they instruct their local agents at
shipping points along these lines, as I feel that the local
agents of these railroads at shipping point should know
more about how to load cranberries and should be able to
instruct the teamsters who cart the berries how to load
them, even though they do not stay at the car and check
them in, as it is my understanding they very seldom do.

Now I do not want you to think that I am taking the
side of the railroads, for I am not, but I simply want to
convey to you the wishes of the transportation compan-
ies and show you their seemingly fairness in the matter
and desire to co-operate with us, and, as stated before, in
all the correspondence we have had with the Trans-Con-
tinental Freight Bureau, they have not once threatened
to advise the Claim Departments of the various carriers
to dishonor breakage claims, and I hope that it will not be
necessary for them to make this threat, and do not be-
lieve that it will.

Mr. G. R. Allen addressed the meeting upon the ob-
Kgation of railroads to furnish proper equipment.

Mr. C. N. Woodward, general superintendent of the
New Haven Railroad, was introduced and spoke to the
meeting on the subject of breakage claims as follows:

I don't know that I am in a position to give you very
much advice in this matter. There has been more or less
correspondence between us and the representative of the
Association that Mr. Chaney has read you about. We
shall certainly be very glad to co-operate in any way we
can. We don't like to pay these claim bills and we have
to bear our share of them. The trouble is nobody knows
just where the damage is done. It may be on our road or
some road west of the Mississippi River. We all have to
share in it just the same.

I think that we can all work together along this line.
We like to have our agents posted on the matter and give
you gentlemen such advice as you want. I presume most
of you understand the loading of the cranberries as well
as the agent does. We can have some man come down
and go through it with you. The agent won't be apt to
check every car load because he don't have to do that,
but he will know the teamsters and if you will instruct
your teamsters to work in co-operation with the agent, we
certainly would be very glad to do all we can. This
question of claims is a pretty big subject, not only from
cranberry shipments, but a good many others, and we
are giving a good deal of attention to it ; in fact we have
a bureau now whose principal duty is to instruct the
agents and others as to the loading of fruit. Mr. Frost is
at the head of it. I will ask him to come down here and
get in touch with the agents.

As a result of the studies made during the past year
it appears that the losses and annoyance caused to our
customers, the railroads and growers themselves can be
reduced by the use of good cooperage, carefully headed
and more care in the stowage of barrels in cars, so as to
prevent swaying and shifting of load en route. The prac-
tice of the "staggered" method of loading, a cut of which
appears below, has been found materially to reduce break-
age and is recommended. The use of headliners is also
worthy of thorough trial.

Dr. Henry J. Franklin in charge of the experimental
bog, addressed the meeting. Dr. Franklin's address will
be printed at the close of this report.

L. C. HALL, Secretary.

TREASURER'S REPORT

The Treasurer's report was presented and approved,
as follows :

Balance, October 1, 1914:

Wareham Savings Bank, $400.00

Wareham National Bank, 101.65

$501.65

Received for Membership fees and annual dues to

August 24, 1915, $141.00

Dividend on Savings Bank deposit, 20.32

-- $161.32

Paid for Printing:

F. B. & F. P. Goss, Nov., 1914, $22.63

L. C. Hall, Nov., 1914, 32.00

L. C. Hall, May, 1915, 52.50

$662.97

Balance, August 24, 1915:

Wareham Savings Bank, $420.32

Wareham National Bank, 135.52

$107.13

- $555.84

$662.97
Z. H. JENKINS, Treasurer.

STATE BOG REPORT

By H. J. FrankUn

Mr. President and Members of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers'
Association:

I will try to be as brief as possible and to discuss only the
more important points. First I want to say something about our

FROST INVESTIGATIONS

Last fall, the minimum lowland temperature here at the State
Bog went twenty-two degrees below the early evening dew point
on several different nights, so large a depression below the dew
point having never before been noted since we began investigation
here. When this extreme depression occurred there was a differ-
ence of five or six degrees between the minimum thermometer kept
on the bog and that on the lowland, there being a distance of some
sixty feet between the two. This difference occurred at a time
when the bog was not flooded. As a rule, the difference between
these two thermometers on a cold night when the bog is not flood-
ed, is only one or two degi-ees. The coincidence of the great de-
pression below the dew point noted and the extreme difference be-
tween the two thermometers seemed to be such an unusual phen-
omenon as to require an explanation.

We had a damp, foggy summer, on the whole, last season, but
the rainfall was considerably below normal, and when the cold
period in question came in the fall, the soil was very dry, and it
seemed to me that the cause for the unusual depression of the
lowland thermometer was probably associated with the unusual
dryness of the lowland soil. The bog, having been flooded some
nights before, was moist and its surface sand was moist, and it
seemed to me that the extreme difference in the moisture of that
sand and of the very dry lowland soil was most likely to be respon-
sible for the unusual phenomenon noted in connection with the low-
land temperatures. It should be observed in support of this con-
clusion that no such unusual differences in temperature between
the bog and adjacent lowland were noted before the bog had been
flooded and that after the first heavy rainfall, following the period
when these great differences were observed, the differences in the
temperatures of the two locations ranged from one and one-half
to only three and one-half degrees.

Acting on the suggestion obtained from these observations,
that an increased water content of the soil tends to raise the mini-
mum air temperatures above it on cold nights, I had two circular

grassy areas, of between two and three square rods each and as
nearly alike in general character as I could find, covered to an
average depth of six inches with as dry sand as could be obtained
in any quantity, between September 20 and 25, and took the mini-
mum temperatures over those areas for two or three nights, find-
ing, in doing so, that there was a difference of about one-half of
one degree at their central points. On September 28, the spot
which had shown the lower minimum temperature on previous
nights was wet down thoroughly between 10 a. m. and 2 p. m. vdth
water from our driven pump, the temperatures of the air and of the
sand on the area and of the water used in moistening all ranging
not far from fifty-one degrees, it being a cloudy day. I took care
to keep the other area as dry as possible by covering it with oiled
canvas, whenever rain threatened. In the cold nights that came
soon after the moistening of the area as described, the ther-
mometer over that area recorded a minimum temperature from half
a degree to a degree higher than the other one, the result of the
test thus corresponding, in a general way, with that of the bbser-
vations in connection with the bog and lowland thermometers. I
do not feel, however, that great reliance can be placed on this re-
sult, because of the small size of these test areas, though it seems
probable that if the areas had been larger the results observed
would have been still more striking.

While the results of this investigation are not conclusive, they
raise a question of no little importance, for if the moisture content
of a soil affects the minimum temperature of the air above it, to
any considerable extent, it is a factor that should be considered in
making frost predictions in connection with the growing of cran-
berries and possibly of other crops also. It will be observed that
these results are at variance with those obtained by Professor Cox
on the Wisconsin marshes, as discussed in Bulletin T. of the
Weather Bureau. Professor Cox states that, in comparative
studies, he obtained the lower temperature reading over the soil
containing the greater amount of moisture and states that the in-
creased moisture was "solely responsible for the relative low tem-
perature reading, on account of the heat lost in the evaporation
of the surface." The greater specific heat of water, as compared
with that of dry earth, should not, however, be lost sight of in
considering this matter.

FROST PROTECTION

Last fall, we carried out experiments with cloth, such as is
used in growing tobacco under shade, to see if it could be used
satisfactorily in protecting bogs from frost. This was tried at
Professor Brooks' suggestion. About nine square rods of rather

grassy low land were covered, the cloth being supported by wires
held three feet above the ground and being brought down on all
sides so as to shut in the covered area completely. We took the
minimum temperatures above the area thus covered and over the
ground just outside of this area on four or five cold nights and
found that the temperature under the cloth was from four to five
degrees higher than that outside. On some of those nights, white
frost formed on the ground all around the covered area, while none
could be found underneath the cloth. These results seemed promis-
ing and led me to study the possibilities of the use of this cloth
from the standpoints of the expense of the cloth and of the facility
with which it might be handled on a cranberry bog, and I think I
can recommend its use, though I do so with caution, for I feel that
we are still in an experimental condition with regard to it. We
must carry out further experiments to make sure that we can al-
ways get, under all conditions, as great an advantage as our tests
thus far seem to indicate.

No one, of course, can say how long this cloth will last before
it wears out. It must be tried in a large way, perhaps for several
years, before that point can be determined, but we know that a
grower would not have to use it more than six weeks in the spring
and two weeks in the fall, its actual time of service, per year, thus
totalling only eight weeks. If you were depending upon cloth for
protection, you would not leave your crop on the bog as long as you
would if you had water protection. Its period of use in the fall
would therefore be brief. The tobacco growers do not, as a rule,
use this cloth more than one season, but with them a single year's
period of use covers several months. Moreover, they have their
cloth spread out in all sorts of weather and so subject it to the
whipping of the most violent winds that arise. On cranberry bogs,
it would only be used in nights when frost threatened, and you
know that on such nights there is very little wind. It would not,
therefore, have to endure as much wear as on tobacco plantations.
With tobacco growers this cloth usually is in fair condition after
one season's use and has considerable wear still left in it. If it
could last two seasons with the tobacco growers, that would mean
ten months. On that basis, it would last five years with cranberry
growers. The wearing conditions being much less severe for the
cloth when used as cranberry frost protection, it probably would
last much longer than five years, even if we tried, as at present, to
raise a crop every year. As you will see before I finish this ad-
di-ess, however, it may be possible to double the period of service
for this cloth by raising a large crop every other year, instead of
taking whatever nature offers every year.

Professor Brooks has told you the cost of this cloth when

bought new. If it can be purchased, as he says, for $130.00 an acre,
the per acre cost of the entire equipment (cloth, supports, etc.),
new need not be over $180.00, all installed. All things considered,
I think this expense would not be unreasonable, compared with that
of a pumping plant. Of course, you have a well proved frost pro-
tection in the pumping plant, but you are never sure that the en-
gine, or something else, will not go wrong at some critical time.

We do not yet know whether we can gain an advantage by
leaving the cloth spread out on a bog during cold days which
promise frost. Occasionally, we have one cold day and frosty night
by itself, but we moi-e often have our frosts come in periods of
several days and nights of cool weather together, and possibly
the leaving of the cloth over the vines on such days will not affect
the temperature of the soil enough to prevent our getting satis-
factory results. If such is the case, the expense of covering and
uncovering will be greatly reduced, and the depreciation in the
value of the cloth, together with the cost of handling it, will be
much less than the depreciation, plus the cost of operation of a
pumping plant. For use on cranberry bogs, the cloth will have to
be made in comparatively small sections, and we may have dif-
ficulty in handling it satisfactorily. In our tests, we have found
strips of 50 by 50 feet of convenient size.

In using this cloth, paths would, of course, be worn on the
bog. This would be an objectionable feature.

Second-hand tobacco cloth, in fair condition, can be purchased
from tobacco growers for five cents a pound. It takes from 400
to 500 pounds to cover an acre. Under existing conditions I think
that, if any grower wants to try out this means of protection for
himself, he will do well to get second-hand cloth and spread it over
the vines, either in single or double thickness, without supporting
it in any way.

FUNGOUS DISEASES

I told you last year about the severe root injury on plots here
at the State Bog, caused by the use of Bordeaux mixture in spray-
ing experiments for the control of fungous diseases. I also told
you that I had begun tests with this mixture, made up with dif-
ferent amounts of copper sulphate, lime and soap, in the hope that
I might find a combination that would not damage the roots. These
experiments have not yet proceeded far enough to justify a further
report concerning them. I can only say that the whole matter of
the treatment of fungous diseases by spraying is still unsettled.

On a recent trip to New Jersey, I found several of the more
prominent growers spraying extensively with Bordeaux mixture.
I did not see any injury there to correspond with that on our plots

here. Fungous diseases are a much more serious matter with the
New Jersey growers than with us. They say that, on many bogs,
they cannot raise cranberries profitably without spraying. Some,
in that section, are using fertilizer more or less regularly, and pos-
sibly that is offsetting the Bordeaux injury. I do not understand
what causes the apparent difference in these matters between Cape
Cod and New Jersey. Possibly the sand we use on our bogs (as a
rule they do not sand at all in New Jersey) may, in some way, be
responsible for it.

So much for spraying. If we find, after a while, that we can
spray our bogs without injuring the vines, we will naturally take
up the practice, because it certainly does improve the keeping
qualities of the fruit very much. Moreover, if we succeed in dis-
covering an effective spray that will not injure the vines, the
treatment will also probably increase the quantity of fruit.

In my last report (page 8) to this association, I spoke of
having started tests last season looking to the control of fungous
diseases by the use of copper sulphate in the water of the June
refiow. The results of those tests were not particularly satisfac-
tory, the treated sections (these tests were carried out on some of
our flooding sections here at the State Bog) showing no definite
advantage, in the quantity of fruit obtained, over those not treated,
though in storage tests the berries from the treated sections
showed, in every case, a distinctly smaller percentage of loss than
did those from the other sections. These experiments are being
repeated again this year.

One of the most neglected features of the cranberry industry
is that of handling the fruit with a distinct regard to the avoidance
of injury to its keeping quality. There are many different and dis-
tinct phases to this general problem. First, the handling of the
fruit on the bog should be considered. This includes many features
of bog management, such as the advisability of frequent re-sanding
and the comparative affects of good and poor drainage and the
management of flowage in all its phases, as these different factors
may bear upon the problem of producing berries with good inherent
keeping qualities. I have found this line of investigation one of the
most difficult to make progress in, as many growers seem reluctant
to give frank information concerning the keeping qualities of their
berries. Nevertheless, I think such studies are highly necessary
and offer large possibilities of finding ways in which to improve the
cranberry product of the Cape.

We have yet to determine the best time and degree of ripeness
in which to pick the different varieties. More attention should
probably be given to the matter of getting the berries into the

storage house promptly after they are picked. Berries left out
for several hours around the bog, often without any protection
from the sun, and then brought in and stacked, perhaps in a com-
paratively warm storehouse, must, it would seem, sustain no little
damage to their keeping quality and will probably rot quicker
than they would if they were taken from the bog as soon as they
were picked and put into a cool storage house.

We really know very little that is definite about what is best
in the way of storehouse construction and what the essential stor-
age conditions are for keeping cranberries well. In discussing
these matters with various growers, I find there is a great variety
of ideas more or less prevalent in regard to them and that cran-
berries are stored by different growers in a variety of ways.

The process of cleaning this fruit and preparing it for market
should receive much more careful attention than has yet been
given it by any of our growers. I know of no other fruit that is
called upon to endure so much rough handling as is the cranberry.
It seems certain that the less we handle this fruit the less we will
damage its keeping quality, for that is a rule that holds true with
all kinds of fruit.

We should also give more study to methods of marketing. It
seems important that this fruit should be shipped under condi-
tions and in packages which will preserve its keeping quality
after it leaves the growers' hands. These matters should be con-
sidered not only with regard to their relations to the transportation
of the fruit over the railroads, but also with regard to its main-
tenance in good condition while in the hands of the various dealers,
especially of the retailers, and of the consumers. A study of the
possibilities of cold storage might yield valuable results, though
I do not regard such an investigation as being either as necessary
or as promising as some of the other lines which I have mentioned
seem to be.

FERTILIZERS

Our experiments with fertilizers have been continued, but our
treated plots did not show any considerable increase in the quan-
tity of fruit obtained last fall over the plots that were not fer-
tilized. In storage tests, however, there was a distinctly greater
shrinkage in the fruit from the plots treated with nitrate of soda
than in that from the other plots.

I carried on a few experiments last season to determine the
effect of nitrate of soda on the settling of the blossoms, this fer-
tilizer being applied to two special areas — one "Early Black" and
one "Late Howe" — on July 3rd, the former variety being in full
bloom at the time and the latter needing about a week longer to

reach that condition. The nitrate was used at the rate of one
hundred and fifty pounds per acre in these tests, and acid phos-
phate at the rate of four hundred pounds per acre and high grade
sulphate of potash at the rate of two hundred pounds were also
added. The results of this treatment, as shown by the quantities
of fruit obtained on these plots in the fall, as compared with those
picked from measured areas immediately adjacent, seem to show
that the fertilizer had stimulated the setting of the blossoms to a
marked degree. The plots treated, however, comprised only four
square rods each, and the results apparently obtained may well be
considered as needing confirmation by more extensive tests.

INSECTS

You will recall that we had considerable trouble with the Army
Worm last season and that it was freely predicted, at last year's
meeting of this association, that we would not see much of that
insect this year. Our expectations in this regard have been en-
tirely fulfilled.

Mr. Farley has talked to you about the gypsy moth. He told
you that you ought to spray and spray early. I think any bog that
can be reflowed will not have to be sprayed, and it seems probable
that bogs with winter flowage will not need much spraying to con-
trol this insect, unless the infestation on the uplands becomes far
more severe than at present. Just now, this investigation is becom-
ing more serious yearly, and eventually we may have to resort to
extensive spraying to control this pest on bogs not provided with
a water supply sufficient for reflowage. If spraying is necessary,
I must heartily second Mr. Farley's advice to "spray early," while
the worms are yet in their first stages. Most of the eggs usually
hatch between May 5th and May 18th. Spraying, to be most ef-
fective, should probably be done about May 15th, and should, if
the infestation is very serious, be repeated a week later to kill the
worms that hatch afterward.

I can find the caterpillars of the False Arm Worm easily, in
their very first stages, by sweeping the vines hard with an ordin-
ary insect collector's net, and by making counts determine fairly
accurately how serious the infestations are. These worms cling
to the vines with much tenacity as well as those of the gypsy, so
I think the seriousness of a gypsy infestation on a cranberry bog
can be readily determined, while the caterpillars are in their early
stages, by the use of such a net, and the advisability of spraying
be thus ascertained. I found that, if I didn't get more than five
or six small false army worms with fifty sweeps of the net, the in-
festation was not usually serious enough to justify spraying. If
fifty sweeps collected ten or fifteen worms, however, spraying was

usually pretty certainly necessary. I presume similar counts may
apply with the gypsy.

Last January, I collected a quantity of gypsy moth eggs in the
woods near here and separated them into three approximately
equal batches. I placed one batch in a can in the basement of the
screenhouse for the winter, using it as a check on the results of
experiments with the other two, which I submerged for the winter
in three feet of water in Spectacle Pond, the date of their immer-
sion being January 14th. I took one of these batches out of the
water on April 1st, and the other on May 20th. Practically all the
eggs of the batch kept in the basement of the screenhouse hatched
normally, while only about one-half of those taken from the water
on April 1st, and none of those taken out on May 20th, hatched.

There appear to be four distinct ways in which a bog may be-
come infested with the gypsy moth, as follows:

1. By the hatching of eggs deposited on the bog in a previous
year. The submergence experiments already described indicate
that late holding (until May 20th) of the winter flowage will kill
all the eggs of this insect which may be present on a bog. I plan
to carry on further tests in this connection, for I suspect that the
water need not be held as late as the 20th to kill all the eggs.

2. By the wind drift of the worms in their early stages. As
Mr. Farley has already told you, it has been proved that the small
worms of this insect are frequently carried several miles by strong
winds, the long hairs with which their bodies are clothed causing
them to be easily spread in this way. The period of their wind
dispersal in large numbers usually extends from about May 14th
to about June 1st. If, therefore, the winter flowage is held until
about June 1st, infestation by wind drift will be prevented. With
present methods of bog management, however, it usually is not
best to hold the winter water so late. If a bog has a sufficient
water supply, the wind drift infestation may be killed or washed
ashore by June reflowing. Probably the flooding commonly prac-
ticed for destroying the black-head fire-worm (Rhopobota vacci*
niana) will be found satisfactorily effective against the gypsy moth.

3. By worms falling on the bog margins from overhanging
trees. The uplands around most bogs are now entirely cleai-ed of
treees and brush for some distance back from the bog margins.
The chances of gypsy infestation in this way are, therefore, in
most cases, very slight. To say, in this connection, that all bog
margins should be entirely cleared of arborescent growths is super-
fluous.

4. By the caterpillars crawling across the marginal ditches
after they become large. A serious infestation can, of course,
come about in this way only when the suiTOunding upland is very

heavily infested. It can probably be prevented by keeping the
marginal ditch well cleaned and partly filled with water. As the
caterpillars are enabled by their hairs to float a long time on water
before drowning, it may be necessary to cover the ditch water
with a film of oil. "Slop distillate" would be a cheap and effective
oil for this purpose.

I will now discuss three of the more common pests which com-
mand the attention of cranberry growers, treating each from the
standpoint of my investigations.

THE TIP- WORM
Cecidomyia oxycoccana Johnson

You will recall that I carried on extensive studies with this
insect last year, and reported the results at our last annual meet-
ing. One important observation brought out by those studies was
"that flowed bogs which had been resanded the fall before, or in
the spring before the first of May, were, as a rule, much less seri-
ously injured than those not thus resanded," those most hurt, in
nearly every case, not having been resanded for two years or more.
On the basis of this observation, I advocated resanding every other
year as a preventive practice against this pest.

In the studies which led to these conclusions, I had made care-
ful counts of the injured and uninjured tips on a large number of
bogs. I kept careful records in connection with fourteen of them.
I examined those fourteen bogs carefully again this season, mak-
ing counts of the injured and uninjured tips in the same way as last
year. In comparing the counts resulting from this season's ex-
aminations of those bogs with those I obtained last year, I found
there was not a single bog among them that was resanded last
fall or early this spring but what showed a tremendous drop in the
amount of tip worm infestation. On the other hand, only one bog
that had not been resanded failed to have an infestation equal to
or greater than that of last season. The single exception had been
so heavily frosted late in May that its prospective crop was en-
tirely destroyed and most of its tips were killed back. I think
that its exceptional condition, as regards tip worm infestation, was
an eff^ect of the frost injury, most of the maggots of an early
brood perhaps having been starved to death by the drying up of
the tips killed by the frost. This conclusion concerning the effect
of frost, you will note, is in line with that of last year. The ex-
amination of numerous other bogs, this season, produced abundant
corroborative evidence of the marked effect of resanding on the
subsequent amount of infestation by this insect. The results of my

studies this year, therefore, strongly confirm last season's findings
concerning this pest.

THE BLACK-HEAD FIRE-WORM
(Rhopobota vacciniana (Pack) )

At our last annual meeting, I suggested the possibility of us-
ing a sweetened spray successfully in treating this insect. I have
tried out such sprays, to a considerable extent, this season, but
have not detected any results of consequence from their use. I
think there is small hope of our getting ahead very far with them.
I am coming more and more to dislike the idea of spraying in con-
nection with this insect. At best, it is an expensive and injurious
method of treatment. I am bent on finding other methods than
spraying for the treatment of any and all of our cranberry insect
and fungous troubles wherever it may be possible. I am going
to talk about cranberry bog management presently and, in dis-
cussing that subject, I will have more to say about this matter of
spraying. In my last annual report to the Director of our Experi-
ment Station, I suggested the possibility of treating this insect
satisfactorily by holding the winter flowage late enough to kill its
eggs as often as an infestation develops sufficiently to do serious
damage, sacrificing the crop in the years of such late holding. I
have had opportunity to observe the results of such late holding to
some extent this season. A New Jersey bog appeared to be satis-
factorily cleared of this insect by holding the water until the mid-
dle of June, and a heavy infestation on a bog here at Wareham
was very greatly reduced by the holding of a partial flowage until
the first of July. In the latter case, the results, under the condi-
tions, were so good that I feel sure the bog would have been
cleared entirely had all the vines been completely submerged. In
neither case did the vines appear to be much injured by the water.
Those on the Wareham bog bloomed considerably and are in good
condition now, though they will probably produce little, if any,
fruit.

THE FRUIT WORM

(Mineola vaccinii (Riley) )

I will first tell you about my submergence tests with the
cocoons. At our last meeting, I told you I had found that the
fruit worm cocoon was not impervious to water and that it seemed
to save the worm from drowning, when submerged, by preventing
the escape of the air it contained rather than by keeping out the
water. In later tests, I discovered that the cocoons completely
filled with water in about five days, so that the worms within them
were entirely surrounded by it, there being no air bubble left to

keep them alive. The fully matured fruit worm evidently has
great ability to resist drowning, independent of any protection
afforded by the cocoon. I think the temperature of the water ia
which the cocoons are submerged is the principle factor in deter-
mining the effect of the submergence upon the worms, though we
have not yet proved this experimentally.

I will now describe in particular the submergence tests car-
ried on during the past winter. Two netting sacks, containing 160
cocoons (with worms) each, were submerged in three feet of water
in Spectacle Pond on January 15th. One of these sacks was taken
from the water on March 31st, and the cocoons were opened on
the same day and their contents examined. A little more than a
third of the worms were found to be alive, about one quarter of
them being quite active. The other sack was taken from the water
on May 20th, and the contents of the cocoons were examined on
the same day, not a single live worm being found, most of them
being more or less decomposed. The results of these experiments
are entirely in line with the common experience of cranberry
growers, which has for years indicated that the fruit worm could
not endure a prolongation of winter submergence far into the
spring. If these results show accurately what actually occurs on
the bogs, we seem forced to the conclusion that most, if not all, of
the infestation found on a bog, in any season immediately follow-
ing a late holding (until May 20th) of the winter flowage, comes
on from the upland during that season and does not have its origin
on the bog itself.

My recent studies of the parasites of the fruit worm have been.
very interesting and have yielded some unexpected results. My
records show a considerably higher total parasitism this year than
was found last season, but I do not feel certain that such a dif-
ference really existed, as my study of the parasites was less ad-
vanced and less thorough last year than it has been during the past
few weeks.

I feel that my records for this season are fairly accurate, and
I must confess surprise at the remarkably high percentages of par-
asitism which I have found.

You will recall that I told you last year about the three prin-
cipal parasites of this insect, the Braconid (Phanerotoma tibialis —
which parasitizes the worms), the Ichneumonid (Pristomeridea
agilis — also a worm parasite) and the Chalcidid (Trichogramma
minuta — an egg parasite). My studies have shown that the Phan-
erotoma parasitism has ranged this season from about twenty-
seven to seventy-two per cent on dry bogs and from almost none
to about twenty-two per cent on bogs that had the winter fiowage
held late. I have found the Pristomeridea parasitism to range from

about five to about thirty-eight per cent in fruit worms taken from
dry bogs, while in the worms from bogs that had the winter flow-
age held late the range was from none to about seven and one-half
per cent. Fruit worm eggs have shovra a range in Trichogramma
parasitism of from forty-two to about eighty-nine per cent on dry
bogs and from about twelve to about eighty-nine per cent on those
with winter flowage. You will see from these figures that the
parasitism as a whole has this year, as in previous seasons, ranged
considerably higher on dry bogs than on flowed ones. From the
results of my examinations, I estimate that all the natural insect
enemies (including such predacious forms as spiders and ants with
the three parasites here mentioned and other lesser ones which I
have not discussed) of the fruit worm have this season taken care
of not less than ninety-seven per cent of the entire infestation on
some dry bogs and of close to ninety per cent on some flowed ones.
The total percentage has probably, however, run considerably
below these figures with most bogs, especially those with winter
flowage.

You will notice that the late holding of the winter flowage
seems to greatly reduce the percentage of Phanerotoma and Pris-
tomeridea parasitism. I am inclined to look upon this reduction
as another rather reliable indication that most of the infestation
which appears on a bog, during a season immediately following a
late holding of the winter flowage, comes from the upland rather
than from the bog itself. Fruit worm moths appear to have
fairly good powers of flight, and, if they come from considerable
distance to a bog which has been cleared of parasites by the late
held winter flowage, they may succeed in eluding their worm par-
astism to no small extent. I strongly suspect that we have, in
this reduction of the Phanerotoma and Pristomeridea parasitism,
the true explanation of the fact that the effect of the late holding
of the winter flowage in any season, in its reduction of fruit worm
infestation, does not endure into the following season as well as
we might wish .

My examination of fruit worm eggs from a number of bogs
that were reflowed in June and from adjoining ones that were not
reflowed have led me to believe that June reflowage in some way
has the effect of increasing the Trichogramma parasitism very
markedly, though this increase does not appear to result in the
corresponding decrease in fruit worm injury which it seems we
might expect. The reason for this peculiar effect of reflowage is
not yet apparent. The destruction of predacious forms (ants,
spiders, etc.) caused by the reflow may largely offset the advantage
obtained by the increase in Trichogramma parasitism.

Winter flowed bogs that were not reflowed this season showed

a much lower percentage of Trichogramma parasitism than did
the strictly dry bogs, a condition which I think we might expect.

BOG MANAGEMENT

I have been carrying on investigations here now for several
years and each year have added something to my knowledge of the
problems connected with the growing of cranberries. Many of
my findings, taken alone by themselves, have no significance in a
practical way, but I have now reached a stage in the work where
I am beginning to assemble my results in the hope of coming to
definite conclusions as to what general changes in bog manage-
ment, if any, are advisable. Certain ideas in this connection have
been taking form in my mind during the past year and I want to
discuss some of them with you today. They will perhaps appear
new and strange to you and many of you will probably not take
kindly to them at first. Nevertheless, I think some of them will
receive your approval in the long run and eventually be generally
adopted. I want to say to begin Math, however, that I do not in-
tend to discuss these changes as ideas that are proved and will
surely work to your advantage. I bring them before you for con-
sideration at this time in the hope that some of you may be in a
position to assist me by trying them out on your own bogs. I in-
tend to make what arrangements I can tc» carry out these ideas
here on the State Bog, but the more bogs they are tried on the
sooner we will come to definite conclusions and the more certain
we will finally be of our results.

I do not apprehend that your entire interest in cranberry grow-
ing is centered in any one phase of the business or that as a rule
you are especially interested in the control of any one pest or the
solution of any one problem as a thing by itself. Your main busi-
ness is not fighting fruit worms but raising cranberries. The
cost of resanding interests you less than the year's net return
from your crop. The problem of raising cranberries to the best
advantage is a complex one, comprising many minor problems, and
a great many factors bear upon it. As a basis for the new pro-
gram which I am going to suggest, I want to state, as concisely
and as clearly as I can, what the main problem — the problem
which ultimately commands his every endeavor and around which
all his other problems center — of the cranberry grower really is.
It is this — how to make cranberry growing pay the largest possible
net return for the capital invested. The net return is what is left
from the proceeds of the sale of the crop after the cost of produc-
tion and marketing has been taken out. With a given amount of
capital invested and a given acreage under cultivation, this return

may be increased either by a rise in the selling price of the fruit,
the cost of production and marketing being fixed, or by a lowering
of the cost of production and marketing, the selling price being
fixed, or by an increase in the selling price accompanied by a re-
duction in the cost of production and marketing. To enlarge upon
these self-evident facts would be superfluous. They are only a
part of our common experience in every walk of life. A man may
get ahead in the world either by the good fortune of an increased
income or by simplicity and economy in living.

In its beginnings, the cranberry industry was in the position
of a man blessed with a large income, because cranberries com-
manded high prices in the markets. Strict economy was not, there-
fore, absolutely essential to success. During the last few years,
prices have been comparatively low, and there seems to be no im-
mediate prospect of their permanent return to higher levels. Cran-
berry growing has therefore now reached the stage where we must
learn to produce the fruit and market it at the least possible ex-
pense, to make sure of getting satisfactory returns. In other
words, the industry is now in the position of the man who must live
simply in order to get ahead.

A good deal has been said lately about advertising cranberries,
with a view to the extension of the market by this means. While
I would not decry the possibilities connected with advertising, I
must say that I think that cranberries will not be found to be an
exception in the genei-al rule that good fruit is its own best ad-
vertisement. The growers of other kinds of fruit have made
tremendous strides in the past few years in the attention which
they give to the quality and condition of their product. Cranberry
growers are going to find before long that they must give a like
attention to the quality of their product, if they are to compete
successfully. I have already spoken of some of the things which
I feel should receive attention in this connection, in my discussion
of fungous diseases. I could mention other possible improvements
in the methods of preparing this fruit for market, but we need not
consider these matters further today. I speak of these things
merely to point out some of the ways, at present badly neglected,
in which I think cranberry growers might work effectively in ex-
tending their markets and maintaining prices as a result.

I have made these somewhat extended general remarks in
order to put myself in a position to state the main problem of the
cranberry grower more clearly and accurately. I would now re-
state it in this way — how to grow and market cranberries of super-
ior quality with the least possible expense.

It is in connection with the matter of the reduction of expense
in the growing of cranberries that I wish to advance the new ideas

which I have in mind today. To be^n with, I must say that the
changes in methods which I am about to suggest probably cannot
be applied with satisfactory results in the management of all bogs.
If a bog produces an average annual crop of over sixty barrels to
the acre, the changes in question may not be justified. Most bogs,
however, do not produce an average yearly per acre crop of sixty
barrels. I feel, therefore, that I can make these suggestions with
full confidence that they may be applied by most of the Cape grow-
ers.

My idea is this: We are unwise in attempting to raise a crop
of cranberries from the same area every year. In doing so, we go
to needless expense in the care of the bog and the harvesting of the
berries and frequently throw away money in only partially success-
ful attempts to control our insect pests. I think a substantial re-
duction in the cost of grovdng cranberries could be affected, with-
out lessening the per acre production, by the adoption of the plan
of cropping only every other year as a regular program.

To begin my argument in favor of cropping every other year
instead of every year, I want to make this statement for your
consideration, for your approval or disapproval, if any bog that
does not yield an average annual crop of more than fifty barrels
to the acre, fails completely to produce a crop one year (the vines
being uninjured), it will, if it is taken proper care of and meets
with no accidents (such as frost, fire, hail, or excessive insect
injury), yield the following year at double its average annual
rate of production. If this statement is correct, it goes without
question that we can adopt the plan of cropping every other year
without fear of lessening the average yearly production of our
bogs. On the other hand, I propose to show before I am through
that there are reasons why we might expect an actual increase in
production as the result of such a change.

If this plan of cropping every other year were adopted, it
would probably be carried out in somewhat different ways on dif-
ferent classes of bogs. In any case, it would call for the deliber-
ate prevention of the development of a crop, in some way, by the
management of the flowage, every other year. For bogs abund-
antly supplied with water for reflowage, I would suggest the follow-
ing program:

Begin by resanding the bog thoroughly some fall after it has
produced a heavy crop. This will reduce the tip worm infestation
for the following season to a minimum, with the result that, bar-
ring accident, a good bud formation will be assured. Hold the
winter flowage, the following spring, until the 20th of May, thus
reducing the fruit worm infestation already on the bog to a mini-
mum. Then reflow in June, to destroy the first brood of the black-

head fire-worm, and again in July, to kill out whatever there may
be in the way of a scattering second brood. Reflow in full bloom
for as long a time as may be necessary to knock out the crop, and,
finally, reflow for two or three days some time in August to destroy
whatever girdler worms may be at work.

Treated in these ways, the bog should be practically entirely
free from insect enemies when it is flooded for the winter. It
should be free from the fruit worm as well as from the other im-
portant pests, for the worms of the previous year will have been
drowned out by the late holding of the winter flowage and what-
ever subsequent infestation may have come from the upland will
have perished from lack of food. In addition to being free from in-
sects, the bog should have a maximum bud development for the
following year, as the vines, not having been called upon to produce
a crop, will be full of strength and the tips will have had no
chance to be injured to any extent by either the fire-worm or the
tip-worm. Moreover, the good condition of the vines will not have
been impaired by the disturbance incident to the picking of a crop.
The bog should, therefore, start the following season, the season
in which the crop is to be produced, in the best possible condition
in every respect. I think you will all agree that, under such con-
ditions, a bog might reasonably be expected to produce its maxi-
mum crop, barring accident, almost without fail. You see my
program not only calls for the knocking out of the crop every
other year, but also for using every opportunity in the year of
non-production, to definitely prepare the bog, in every possible way,
to do its utmost the following year.

For bogs which are winter flowed but have not sufficient water
for reflowage, I would suggest the following plan of procedure:

Begin, as before, by resanding the bog thoroughly some fall,
when its general condition is such that its crop promise for the fol-
lowing season is poor, to reduce the tip worm infestation. Hold
the winter flowage the following spring as late as may be neces-
sary to exterminate the black-head fire-worm and knock out the
crop. I cannot yet say just how late the flowage would have to be
held to accomplish these two objects, but I think the first of July
would, as a rule, be about the right date for letting the water off.
This late holding of the flowage would clear the bog of the fruit
worm and probably of the girdler also, and the vines, not being
taxed by a crop, would have abundant opportunity to develop and
bud up for the winter, and there should be, as on the bogs with
reflowage already discussed, no considerable interference with the
bud development from either the tip worm or the fire-worm.

It may seem to you that these suggestions are unwise, on ac-
count of the great danger of frost injury on bogs of this class.

It is true that with the proposed changes in the management of
these bogs, means of frost protection would have to be provided,
to insure the crop when produced. I have already discussed the
possibility of using tobacco shade cloth for this purpose. With
most bogs of this class, however, I think the most practicable
method of protection would be afforded by the conservation of
proper handling of the vdnter flowage by means of low dykes and
small pumping plants, the bogs being divided and a crop being
produced on one part of their area one year and on the other part
the next year. The winter flowage would be conserved on the part
which was not producing a crop and would be let on to the part
where the crop was being produced when protection from frost
was needed, and then be pumped right back again. Handled in
this way, the winter flowage could be conserved to a far greater
extent than is at present possible, for when it was all pumped on
to one part of the bog, its surface would be greatly reduced and
its evaporation consequently be much lessened.

The possible advantages connected with cropping every other
year may be summed up under the following heads:

1. Care of the bogs. The weeds probably would be consider-
ably reduced by the late holding of the winter flowage and a small
reduction in expense be thus affected. I have suggested resanding
every other fall as a pai't of my program. My sanding plots have
seemed to show that the main advantage of resanding, aside from
frost protection, is its effect in keeping down the tip worm and the
girdler. I strongly suspect that, with this scheme of management,
these insects might be satisfactorily controlled by the very late
holding of the winter flowage and frequent resanding be thereby
rendered unnecessary. As my tests have shown that resanding
has a strong tendency to injure the keeping quality of the fruit,
you will observe that, with this plan, the advisability of the use
of sand after a bog has become well vined over would be strictly
on probation. If we could manage to get along just as well with-
out resanding, a considerable saving in expense would be realized.

2. Treatment of the insect pests. In this scheme of manage-
ment, no spraying in connection with any of our more common in-
sect troubles, except on strictly dry bogs, is called for, water being
relied upon entirely to control all these enemies on all bogs with
winter flowage. Spraying might, of course, have to be resorted to
occasionally in dealing with outbreaks of span-worms, army-worms
or cut-worms, and the gypsy moth might also sometimes have to be
treated in that way. Spraying is expensive, and the mechanical
injury done to the vines and prospective crop in the operation is
usually considerable. Moreover, it is at best only a partially suc-
cessful ti-eatment for any of our flowed bog pests. Water used in

the ways suggested should be entirely effective against all of the
commonly injurious cranberry insects, with the possible exception
of the fruit worm. Promising, as it does, to be by far the most
effectual means of treatment, it is, at the same time, a general
remedy which may be used with a minimum of expense and injury.
This change in our methods of insect treatment would in itself, in
the long run, make possible a considerable saving in expense.

I want to speak here of a way in which I think cropping every
other year might bring about a considerable increase in production.
With the methods of management at present in vogue, the fruit
worm takes a considerable toll on most of our bogs every year.
Now, the amount of injury which this insect does on a bog in any
season does not depend upon the number of berries which are being
produced, granted there are enough to keep the worms from starv-
ing, but upon the number of fruit worms that are at work. I think
you will see, therefore, that, if we adopt the plan of producing a
double crop every other year, the vines being nearly or completely
barren on the alternate years, we will thereby certainly cheat this
insect entirely out of one year's feeding every other year. Realizing
as you do how great the yearly loss caused by the fruit worm is,
you will appreciate how such a reduction in its work might result
in a substantial increase in the average quantity of fruit obtained.
As the damage done by this insect in the year that the crop was
produced would be reduced to a minimum, as already indicated, it
having been both drowned out and starved out on the bog the year
before, I think you will agree with me in the belief that, under
this system of management, we would have as satisfactory and as
inexpensive a means of control for this pest as could be hoped for,

3. Quality of fruit produced. No one can tell how the keep-
ing quality of cranberries would be affected by a change to the
system of management which I am proposing until it has been
tried out. It seems certain, however, that, under this plan, less
green fruit would be put on the market, for the winter flowage
would seldom be held late on a bog in the spring of a season in
which a crop was to be produced, and the berries would always
have a growing season of good length before picking time came as
a result. There would also be much less trouble with fruit worms
in shipments, for there would always be the combination of a
maximum crop with a minimum infestation by this pest, this re-
sulting in a great dilution of the infestation.

4. Expense of harvesting. The cost of picking a small crop
is large and out of all proportion to the quantity of fruit obtained,
for the same area of ground has to be gone over whether the crop
is large or small. With the plan that I am proposing, only maxi-
mum crops would ever be picked, the expense of harvesting being

thereby reduced to a minimum. Moreover, bogs would be picked
only once where now they have to be gone over twice. I think
that, as a rule, the saving gained in this way would hardly be less
than forty cents a barrel.

Thus far, I have discussed my new proposals only as they may
apply to flowed bogs. Though the acreage of strictly dry bogs is
relatively very small, we should nevertheless consider whether the
changes in question may be applied profitably to them in any way.
I am studying the possibilities in this connection and I think we
may be able to apply these changes satisfactorily to such bogs,
if we can kill the bloom successfully by spraying with iron sulphate
or some other chemical. My investigations in this direction have
not progressed far enough to justify a conclusive report concerning
them. It is our well tried experience that the parasites of the
yellow-head fire-worm on dry bogs need only a little help from
arsenical sprays to enable them to clean that pest out for the time
being pretty thoroughly. As I have already told you, the fruit
worm is also very heavily parasitized on such bogs, arid it seems
only reasonable to expect that, if we could succeed in even partially
starving this pest out, we would, by so doing, give its parasites the
assistance they need in order to get the upper hand of the pest
sufficiently to reduce it for us satisfactorily. I am giving careful
attention to this apparent possibility of tipping the balance of
nature in favor of the cranberry grower.

BLUEBERRIES
If the time ever comes when low prices for cranberries prevail
year after year, a condition of competition amongst the bogs will
develop, and those which can be made to produce berries at the least
expense will endure it best. Those bogs which cost the most to
handle may have to be abandoned as cranberry propositions. For
such bogs, I want to suggest the possibility of replacing the cran-
berry with some other fruit-producing plant that does well in acid
soil. The swamp blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is such a
plant and seems to be a particularly promising substitute for the
cranberry for commercial planting. Some New Jersey cranberry
growers have given considerable attention to the possibilities of
the swamp blueberry and extensive selecting and breeding work
has been carried on in co-operation with experts of the Bureau of
Plant Industry of the United States Department of Agriculture.
They have succeeded in developing varieties that produce berries
of very superior flavor and size, the largest reaching nearly three-
quarters of an inch in diameter. The cultivation of this fruit ap-
pears to be a coming industry and promises to be profitable. Pro-
fessor Frederick V. Coville of the Bureau of Plant Industry, the

expert in charge of blueberry breeding, has been here this summer
to examine our dry bogs and has expressed the opinion that they
can be used for blueberry plantations. The Station is planning to
plant about half an acre of the improved blueberry varieties near
here during the coming year, to show w^hat may be done with this
fruit. In closing I want to pass around for your examination a
jar in which are preserved bunches of these improved blueberries
which I picked in New Jersey.

U. S. standard Cranberry Barrel Law

[PUBLIC— No. 307— 63D CONGRESS]
[H. R. 4899.]

An Act To fix the standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, and
other dry commodities.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the
standard barrel for fruits, vegetables, and other dry commodities
other than cranberries shall be of the following dimensions when
measured without distension of its parts: Length of stave, twenty-
eight and one-half inches; diameter of heads, seventeen and one-
eighth inches; distance between heads, twenty-six inches; circum-
ference of bulge, sixty-four inches, outside measurement; and the
thickness of staves not greater than four- tenths of an inch:
Provided, That any barrel of a different form having a capacity of
seven thousand and fifty-six cubic inches shall be a standard barrel.
The standard barrel for cranberries shall be of the folloviang di-
mensions when measured without distension of its parts: Length
of staves, twenty-eight and one half inches; diameter of head, six-
teen and one-fourth inches; distance between heads, twenty-five and
one-fourth inches; circumference of bulge, fifty-eight and one-half
inches, outside measurement; and the thickness of staves not great-
er than four-tenths of an inch.

SEC. 2. That it shall be unlawful to sell, offer, or expose for
sale in any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, or to ship
from any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia to any other
State, Territory, or the District of Columbia or to a foreign coun-
try, a barrel containing fruits or vegetables or any other dry com-
modity of less capacity than the standard barrels defined in the
first section of this Act, or subdivisions thereof known as the
third, half, and three-quarters barrel, and any person guilty of a
willful violation of any of the provisions of this Act shall be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor and be liable to a fine not to exceed $500,
or imprisonment not to exceed six months, in the court of the
United States having jurisdiction: Provided, however, That no bar-
rel shall be deemed below standard within the meaning of this Act
when shipped to any foreign country and constructed according to
the specifications or directions of the foreign purchaser if not con-
structed in conflict with the laws of the foreign country to which
the same is intended to be shipped.

SEC. 3. That reasonable variations shall be permitted and tol-
erance shall be established by rules and regulations made by the
Director of the Bureau of Standards and approved by the Secretary
of Commerce. Prosecutions for offenses under this Act may be

begun upon complaint of local sealers of weights and measures or
other officers of the several States and Territories appointed to
enforce the laws of the said States or Territories, respectively, re-
lating to weights and measures : Provided, however. That nothing in
this Act shall apply to barrels used in packing or shipping com-
modities sold exclusively by weight or numerical count.

SEC. 4. That this Act shall be in force and effect from and
after the first day of July, nineteen hundred and sixteen.

Approved, March 4, 1915.

With reference to marking the U. S. Standard Cran-
berry Barrel, provided for in the above law, the Bureau
of Chemistry of the Department of Agriculture advises,
under date of April 1, 1916, as follows:

"You are advised that the Amendment of March 3, 1913, to the
Food and Drugs Act, provides that an article of food in package
form is misbranded unless plainly and conspicuously marked
on the outside of the package with a statement of the quantity of
the contents. The Bureau is of the opinion that if barrels having
the capacity of a U. S. standard barrel are filled with cranberries
to capacity, it will answer the requirements of the Net Weight
Amendment to mark such barrels "One Standard barrel of cran-
berries" or "One U. S. Standard barrel of cranberries." It is the
opinion of the Bureau that either the words "of cranberries" should
be used or the statement should be otherwise so worded as to refer
to the contents of the package and not to the capacity."

29th Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR

19 16

TOGETHER WITH REPORT
OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN
IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI-
MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREH AM

A^nnual IVIeetIng

Wareham, Mass., Aug. 22, 1916,

The annual meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry,
Growers' Association was held at the State Bog at East
Wareham on this date. The meeting was called to order
by President John C. Makepeace. The reading of the call
for the meeting was waived and it was voted to accept the
records of the previous meeting as printed in the last
annual report.

Nominations for Directors were made and the follow-
ing were elected :

John C. Makepeace

Seth C. C. Finney

Irving C. Hammond

George B. Allen

George R. Briggs

L. B. R. Barker

Dr. Charles R. Rogers

Z. H. Jenkins

Samuel B. Gibbs

Dr. Franklin F. Marsh

T. T. Vaughan

Colburn C. Wood

The following officers were then chosen :
President — John C. Makepeace
1st Vice-President — Seth C. C. Finney
2nd Vice-President— Dr. F. F. Marsh
Treasurer — Z. H. Jenkins
Secretary — Lemuel C. Hall

President Makepeace spoke of the activities of the
growers during the past season. He urged the use of

care in the storage of barrels and advocated the staggered
method of loading. The use of head Hners was spoken of.
So far as his observation had shown, the staggered me-
thod had proven good and the use of head hners desirable
in order to reduce breakage of barrels in transit. He said
that reports from trans-continental freight bureau indi-
cates less breakage last year, due to the methods adopted.
He proposed a study by the National Government into
rot and decay of berries after leaving the bogs, decay
and loss in transit and losses which occur in the hands
of the buyers. He said this is a pretty wide subject. The
government has taken up such studies with other fruits,
notably citrus fruits. He had first taken the matter up
with the Department of Agriculture a month or two pre-
vious and the Secretary of Agriculture had sent a man
into this territory, who has been connected with this line
of study. The line of the study covers every part from
the time berries leave the vines until they reach con-
sumers. By proper handling and transportation, it has
been possible to ship ripe raspberries long distances. He
said that an appropriation of $5,000 for pathalogical work
and $5,000 for transportation investigations is necessary.
The department is willing to take up the work if the ap-
propriation can be secured.

Seth C. C. Finney reported for the committee ap-
pointed to confer with the State Forester on gypsy moth
matters.

A permanent committee of five for gypsy moth in-
vestigations were appointed as follows: Seth C. C. Fin-
ney, J. M. Bump, John W. Churchill, Irving C. Hammond,
and Franklin F. Marsh.

President Makepeace urged the mem|)ers to pay
their dues in order that such committees might be able to
have travelling expenses paid, it being fair that such ex-
penses should be paid by the association.

It was voted that the treasurer be authorized to re-
imburse members of committees for expenses incurred
while engaged in the work of the association.

The committee on uniform wages for picking made
its report, but made no definite recommendations.

Voted: That the president be authorized to take
such action as he might see fit to bring about a Federal
investigation of better methods of packing and shipping
jcranberries.

Mr. V. A. Saunders, representing crop reporting
department of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, re-
ported the following preliminary figures, subject to re-
vision in final report.

Massachusetts — 124 growers and personal canvass.
Insect injury lighter than usual. Size of fruit reasonably
uniform.

1915—130,705 barrels.

1916—139,767 barrels.

1915— Total shipments, 245,000 barrels.

1916 — Total shipments, 262,150 barrels (estimated).

Early Blacks, 48% of total; Late Howes, 41% of
total; Others, 21%.

Final estimate last year was within 2% of actual
crop.

Acreage — Compiled from Assessors' figures, probab-
ly correct within 3% :

Barnstable County, 4,432 acres

Bristol County, 471 acres

Dukes County, 60 acres

Norfolk County, 60 acres

Plymouth County, 8,624 acres

Other localities, 331 acres

Total, 13,978 acres

The crop reporting committee of the association re-
ported as follows:

118 growers out of 351 estimate 158,035 barrels for
1916. The same growers in 1915 raised 150,602, indicat-
ing an increase of about 5%.

The following estimate of the total crop was given for
other localities:

1915. New Jersey, 184,000 barrels; 1916, 170,000 barrels.
1915. Wisconsin, 35,000 barrels; 1916, 30,000 barrels^

Total crop of country: 1915, 464,000; 1916, 455,000
barrels.

L. C. HALL, Secretary.

Xpeasuper's Repopt

Z. H. JENKINS, Treasurer,

In Account With

CAPE COD CRANBERRY GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

Debit
1915.
Aug. 24. Balance, Wareham Savings

Bank, $420.32

Aug. 24. Balance, Wareham National

Bank, 135.52

Aug. 25. Dinner Tickets, 92.80

Nov. 8. Annual dues, 107.05

1916.

Aug. 22. Annual dues, 158.50

Dividend on Savings Bank

deposit, 16.96

$931.15

1915.

Credit

Sept. 6. Printing, L. C. Hall, $15.25

Sept. 6. Postage, Envelopes, Express, 13.52
Sept. 6. Telephones, Telegrams, etc.,

Barrel biU, 11.84

Sept. 6. Lunch, Ice Cream, Coffee,

J. C. M., 90.99

Sept. 6. Dinners for speakers, 5.00

Oct. 16. G. R. Allen, Professional

services, 10.00

Oct. 16. L. C. Hall, printing, 3.50

Nov. 13. "Buy a Crate of Cran-
berries" BiU, 169.30
Dec. 14. Clara S. Lawrence, Steno-
grapher, 15.00

1916.

Aug. 21. L. C. Hall, printing annual

reports, etc., 49.75

Postage, telephones, ex-

press, etc.,

9.42

2 Electros, 1200 cards, stag-

gered system,

8.13

Blackboard,

1.85

F. B. & F. P. Goss, stamped

envelopes,

11.59

L. C. Hall, circulars and

cards and bills.

16.30

J. M. Bump, Gypsy Moth

Committee,

10.00

Seth C. C. Finney, Gypsy

Moth Committee,

13.15

$454.59

Balance, Wareham Savings

.'^^ank.

437.28

Balance, Wareham National

Bank,

39.28

$931.15

Oy- H. cJ. Krankltn

Mr. President and Members of the Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association:

Our investigations, since we last met, have followed
largely the lines of former years. We have started an
experimental blueberry plantation and conducted a
large series of storage tests, as new features of work.

I wish to tell you first about our tests of tobacco
cloth as a

FROST PROTECTION

We tried both new and second hand cloth, but found
that the latter could not usually be obtained in proper
condition.

Last fall's tests were conducted on a bog with much
moss under the vines, and new cloth gave no considerable
temperature advantage in any way used.

In the spring, however, it was tried on a bog that
was fairly well sanded and with only a little moss. Green
registering thermometers were used in all the tests. Under
one thickness of cloth, spread on the vines, they showed
a higher minimum temperature than thermometers not
covered by three degrees in some cases, though the usual
difference was less than two degrees. Two thicknesses
spread on the vines raised the minimum temperature from
3 1/2 to 5 degrees over that which obtained over the unpro-
tected bog. One thickness supported on wires about hip
high gave a medium advantage as compared with the
single and double thicknesses spread on the vines.

As a result of these tests, we reached the following
tentative conclusions:

(a) This protection is not satisfactory on bogs with

much moss under the vines because of the reduced ra-
diation on such bogs.

(b) . Good second hand cloth is so hard to get that
its use is not practicable.

(c). One thickness of new cloth is not enough when
spread on the vines.

(d). The difficulties and expense of wire supports
make their use impracticable.

(e) . When two thicknesses are spread on the vines,
the protection is probably sufficient for most of the Cape
bog situations, and this is probably the best way to use it.
It is so bulky, however, that it would be hard to handle
on large areas. On this account, it is better to protect
with water, if it can be done at reasonable expense.

We are still testing sprays to find a treatment for
our cranberry

FUNGOUS DISEASES
but can as yet only confirm our report of the harmful
effect of Bordeaux mixture.

Our storage tests last fall seemed to show some im-
provement in keeping quality due to a treatment of some
of our experimental flooding sections with copper sulphate
in the June reflow. This advantage, however, was slight,
and the treated areas gave no increase of fruit.

The hypertrophy of the tender vegetative shoots,
frequently called "false blossom" by the growers, was
unusually abundant on this bog this season. It has been
thought that the moisture conditions attending late hold-
ing of the winter fiowage, excessive refiowage, deficient
drainage or excessive and continual rainfall greatly favor
the development of the fungus (Exobasidium oxycocci
Kostr.) which causes this disease. The prevalence of the
disease on this bog, therefore, is not surprising, for we
held the winter flowage late both this year and last, and
this has been a wet growing season. A marked phe-
nomenon was the attack of this disease on the blossoms,
its effects hitherto, as far as observed, always being con-
fined to the leafy shoots. We estimate that from three

to four per cent of the Late Howe blossoms on the State
bog were conspicuously mal-formed by the disease be-
tween July 20 and August 1, when this effect was most
marked. An occasional Early Black flower was similarly
affected. A few of the small berries were also somewhat
discolored and covered with the spore powder of the fun-
gus. With the coming of August, the wet season ended
and the disease soon disappeared on both blossoms and
vines.

STORAGE TESTS

A study of cranberry storage was started last fall.
I will not describe the various tests, but will merely out-
line their purposes and results.

I judged from general experience and. a slight
knowledge of the behavior of other fruits, that the stor-
age shrinkage of cranberries was due to several causes.
The direct loss from decay due to fungous diseases
seemed the most important of these. The loss of water by
respiration also seemed to be a large factor. To ascertain
the relative importance of these losses, the effects of
ventilation and the lack thereof were studied, the amount
of rot under varying conditions of ventilation and the
amount of weight shrinkage of berries in the mass and of
volume shrinkage of the individual berries being
determined.

With the temperatures that prevailed in the base-
ment of the screenhouse, ventilation seemed to be an im-
portant factor in cranberry keeping. Berries in coffee
cans, with covers on tight, but not sealed, rotted much
more rapidly than those stored in picking crates. A dif-
ference in the keeping of berries in various parts of the
crate was discovered, the top fruit keeping best, while
that at the center decayed most. Berries in crates with
slatted bottoms and sides lost in weight considerably
faster than those in crates with solid bottoms and slatted
sides and the latter, in turn, lost faster than did berries
in boxes with both bottoms and sides solid. The loss in

weight was most rapid during the first of the storage,
when the temperatures were highest, and it was slowest
toward its close, when temperatures ran lowest.

Quantity shrinkage was determined by comparing
cup counts of sound cranberries taken early in the stor-
age season and at its close. Its percentage was about the
same as that of the weight shrinkage.

The rate of weight shrinkage was approximately the
same with Late Howe berries as with Early Black.

While the test conducted was not sufficiently refined
to be very reliable, it seemed to show that decay was
most rapid at the beginning of the storage season, when
temperatures were highest. As the period of maximum
decay may depend somewhat on the variety of fruit and
the kinds of fungi present in most abundance, it will take
many tests to clear up this problem.

As a rule, the crates with the largest admixture of
leaves also had the most rotten berries at the end of the
tests. This makes me doubt if berries keep better with
vines among them. Vines without leaves would probably
increase the ventilation of stored berries and so help in
retarding decay. Leaves, however, might have an op-
posite effect.

Tests with Late Howe fruit gave no evidence to show
that an admixture of decayed berries promotes develop-
ment of rot. Berries of other varieties, aflfected with
different diseases, however, might have shown diflferent
results.

Some of the tests tended to show that Early Black
berries decay more rapidly if over-ripe when picked,
whereas the keeping quality of Late Howe fruit did not
seem to deteriorate with ripening.

The injury of berries by their bouncing in separators
and by their drop into barrels is serious, the latter, in
the tests conducted, increasing the tendency to rot over
50 per cent, while both together increased it considerably
over 100 per cent.

The rate of temperature changes among barreled and

crated berries is very slow. The wooden bushel shipping
crate manufactured by Mr. George P. Morse of West
Wareham was used in testing this. The average initial
difference between the temperature of the berries in the
crate and that of the basement of the screen-house, in
which it was placed, was about 35 degrees, Fahr., and it
took about 40 hours for them to become equalized.

A barrel containing berries with temperatures rang-
ing from 65 to 67 degrees Fahr. was also placed in the
basement of the screen-house, the temperature of which
was 34 degrees at the time and ranged from 31 to 38 de-
grees during the test. It took the temperature of these
berries three days to come down to that of the basement,
there being an initial difference of about 32 degrees. It
probably would have taken longer if the temperature of
the basement had not risen toward the end of the test.

PRACTICAL CONCLUSIONS FROM THE RESULTS
OF THE STORAGE TESTS

1. Ventilation appears to retard cranberry decay
under average existing screen-house conditions. It
probably would not pay, however, to go to much expense
in providing for it in storage before shipment except,
perhaps, in storage house construction. Weak berries
are usually shipped soon after they are picked, and only
with such fruit would maximum benefit from ventila-
tion be derived. You should air the storage room well
on cool, dry days and allow as much space for the fruit as
circumstances permit.

2. The keeping down of temperatures appears to
promise as great advantages in storage previous to ship-
ment as do special arrangements for ventilation.

3. Cranberry storage-house construction needs sci-
entific study.

4. The injury caused in preparing cranberries for
shipm.ent by present methods is great, the separators
and the drop into the barrels apparently doing special

harm. Some simple means for reducing the barrel injury
might be devised, and separators like the White machine
promise, in my opinion, to harm the fruit less than those
employing the bouncing principle, though the cost and
small capacity of this machine prohibit its use, except
with large growers.

5. Berries to be branded should not be run through
a bouncing separator twice.

6. The advantage of ventilation can probably be
most practically employed by using smaller and more
open containers for shipping, for this will insure to a cer-
tain extent, a proper storage for the berries both in tran-
sit and in the hands of the retailer. A desirable trade in
cranberries in crated strawberry baskets might perhaps
be developed. Most dealers prefer to handle this fruit in
barrels, but its maintenance in good condition is so es-
sential that the future use of these containers should be
vigorously contested, for with them a large injury due to
compression is probably added to that caused by lack of
ventilation.

Mr. J. J. Beaton of Wareham is this season interest-
ing himself in shipping cranberries in crates extensively,
and I hear he has already received a gratifying number
of orders for fruit thus packed.

7. It has been suggested that cranberries be
shipped in the uncleaned condition to the more distant
parts of the country. I believe this should be attempted
in a large way, for the fruit would be presented to the
trade in a far more acceptable condition in such sections
if it were prepared for market at central points in the
territory where it was to be consumed.

8. The slow rate of temperature changes in the
barreled fruit suggests that berries might be cooled be-
fore both storage and shipment to advantage.

RESANDING
Five plots of 9 square rods each have been devoted
to this investigation since the fall of 1912. Records of

the amounts of fruit produced by them and by check
areas have been kept and so far show no definite effect
resulting from resanding or the lack thereof. The ad-
vantages gained by resanding appear to be of such r
general nature — a certain amount of frost protection and
help in the control of the tip worm and girdler being the
most evident — that they are not determinable by means
of plot experiments.

Storage tests seem to show that resanding causes a
moderate deterioration in the keeping quality of the
fruit. Two of the plots ha-ve not been resanded since
1909 and the present condition of their vines, as compared
with the surrounding bog, which was resanded in 1911
and in 1914, is striking, the unsanded vines being much
thinner and looking rather sickly.

FERTILIZERS

The quantities of fruit produced by our plots since
they were begun in 1911 seem to show a moderate aver-
age increase from the use of fertilizers. Storage tests
show that nitrate of soda weakens the fruit somewhat,
no certain effect being apparent from either acid phos-
phate or sulphate of potash. The berries from the plot.
treated with lime did not keep well in 1914 and 1915, as
compared with those from the other plots, though they
showed about as little decay as any in the 1912 tesis.
A marked scattering of dying vines developed on all
parts of this plot in the late summer and fall of 1910,
no other considerable area on the bog being thus affected.
Vines of the same variety (Early Black), on about 10
acres of a bog a few miles away, showed an entirely sim-
ilar condition, no such trouble being apparent with the
Late Howe and Matthew varieties. Early Black berries
picked on this other bog last season were weak, both in
storage and shipment. I infer from this that lime per-
haps favors some disease peculiar to this variety.

INSECTS

Last fall my attention was called to an infestation
by what proved to be the "cranberry root worm"
[Rhabdopterus picipes (Oliv.)] on a bog near here man-
aged by Mr. George M. Besse. About two acres showed
serious injury, the vines being dead in irregular patches,
some of them of considerable size. This insect has not
heretofore definitely been known to harm any Massa-
chusetts bog, but it has long been a serious offender in
New Jersey.

A bog injured by this insect appears like one infested
by the cranberry girdler (Crambus hortuellus Hbn.), the
patches of dead vines being very irregular in form and
distribution. Roots injured by the girdler, however,
have the wood as well as the bark eaten considerably,
frequently being entirely cut off, while the large and
secondary roots worked on by the "rootworm" show prac-
tically no injury to the wood, only the bark being eaten
away. The girdler feeds on the surface, concealed in
fallen leaves or other trash lying over the sand, and pre-
fers the runners and crowns of the plants, while the
"rootworm" works in the soil and feeds largely on the
fibrous roots, which, though they form a dense mat of
considerable thickness, are often alm.ost completely
devoured.

The bog area on which this infestation was discov-
ered is completely flowed every winter. It has a peat
"bottom", with excellent drainage during the growing
season. It has been resanded biennially for the past
ten years. When it was examined on December 8, most
of the grubs were found just below the inch and one
half thickness of frozen surface sand, but they ranged
to a maximum depth of 8 inches.

By the beginning of winter, the grubs practically
comDJete their growth. They are then nearly white in
color and about a quarter of an inch long. They hiber-
nate without growing appreciably larger. They change
into pup£s in June. No beetles had yet emerged on June

30, a collection of the insects examined that day consist-
ing of four grubs and 32 pupse. One beetle was found on
July 1, and during the following two weeks they practi-
cally all came out, the period of most rapid emergence
extending from the 3rd to the 11th of the month.

We expected the adults might feed freely on the
cranberry foliage, and, on our recommendation, an arsen-
ical spray was applied to the infested area on July 3 and
repeated on the 11th and 18th. In the first two applica-
tions, 214 pounds of "Corona" arsenate of lead and one
heaping teaspoonful of white arsenic to 40 gallons of
water were used. In the last application, the mixture
was the same, except that the arsenic was increased to
11/2 teaspoonsful to 40 gallons. We suggested only the
arsenate of lead, fearing arsenic would do harm. The
latter was added by the foreman of the bog to do a
thorough job.

We visited the bog on July 20, and found dead "root-
worm" beetles in large numbers under the vines, most
of them being in a very dry and brittle condition. Only
a very few were crawling about. The cranberry foliage
on the infested area showed that the beetles had fed
freely upon it. As 6 of 15 beetles, collected on the bog
July 11 and kept here at the screenhouse, were still ac-
tive on the 26th, the condition of those found on the bog
on the 20th seemed to indicate that the spraying had
been effective. We are still observing this bog and have
as yet found no further damage from the pest.

Other speakers have told you about the gypsy moth.
What you have heard of the danger from wind drift of
the small caterpillars has probably interested you par-
ticularly. I will add only the recital of my experience
in submergence tests with the eggs and worms.

Several quarts of egg masses were collected from
trees in the latter part of December and the first part of
January and divided into lots of about a half quart each,
two of these being put in coffee cans, with moist sand in
the bottom, and placed in the basement of the screen-

house for a check, the others being enclosed in cheese-
cloth sacks and submerged for the winter in three feet of
water in a pond.

The eggs of the check lots hatched almost perfectly.
The dates on which the submerged lots were taken from
the water and my estimates of the percentages of the
eggs that hatched in each were as follows: lot 1, taken
from water April 2, 25 % hatched ; lot 2, taken from water
April 18, 20% hatched; lot 3, taken from water April 23,
18% hatched; lot 4, taken from water May 1, 25%
hatched; lot 5, taken from water May 5, 20% hatched;
lot 6, taken from water May 13, 20% hatched; lot 7,
taken from water May 24, 5% hatched. The submer-
gence in these tests did not appear to kill the eggs as
effectively as it did in those reported last year. This
may have been due to the unsasonable coldness of the
early spring this season, which probably caused the water
in the pond to warm up more slowly than usual.

On May 29, 59 small gypsy moth caterpillars, rang-
ing in length from one-eighth to five-sixteenths of an inch,
were submerged on the leaves of an oak branch just as
they were taken from the woods, in 8 inches of water in
a wash tub. All but three of the worms clung to the
branch and went down into the water with it. At the
end of a 43 hour submergence, eight of the caterpillars
were floating on the water, 4 had sunk to the bottom of
the tub, and 47 still clung to the leaves. These worms
were watched for two days, after the close of the test,
but only one of the 59 showed any sign of life.

On May 31, 50 caterpillars, from one-quarter to
five sixteenths of an inch long, were submerged as before
on the leaves of an oak branch, in nine inches of water.
All these worms clung to the leaves tenaciously when
submerged. After 22 hours in the water, two of the
caterpillars floated on the surface, 3 had sunk to the bot-
tom, and 45 still clung to the leaves. Within seven hours
after they were taken from the water, 26 of these worms
had nearly or entirely recovered.

On June 1, 152 more caterpillars, from one-quarteri
to three-eighths of an inch long, were submerged on the
leaves of an oak branch as before in 9 inches of water.
After 3314 hours of submergence, 46 of the worms were
floating on the water, most of them being alive and ac-
tive, 40 had sunk to the bottom of the tub, and 66 still
clung to the leaves. Those that clung to the branch were
kept under observation, and only a few ever showed any
sign of recovery. As a rule, the worms that came to the
surface of the water were among the largest of those
submerged, as was also the case in later tests, which
I will not take the time to describe to you.

These experiments have led me to the following
conclusions :

1. That reflowing for this insect will be most sat-
isfactory if done while the worms are small and prob-
ably before the largest are more than five-sixteenths of
an inch long. The sooner it is done after the eggs are
all hatched, the less will be the damage from the feeding
of the worms and the less the trouble from their floating
ashore alive, as it is evidently the habit of the very young
caterpillars to cling to their support when submerged.

2. To be entirely effective, even when the worms
are small, a reflowage must probably be held nearly 40
hours.

THE BLACK-HEAD FIRE-WORM
[Rhopobota vacciniana (Pack.)]

Prof. H. B. Scammell, who is engaged in cranberry
insect investigations in New Jersey for the Bureau of
Entomology of the United States Department of Agri-
culture, had much success last year in treating both
broods of this insect in the worm stage with a form of
nicotine-sulphate known as "Black Leaf 40." He used
one part of this insecticide to 400 parts of water and add-
ed resin fish-oil soap at the rate of 2 pounds to 50 gallons
to make the spray spread and stick.

When I saw the plots he had treated in this way,
they were green and had a fair amount of fruit, whereas
the surrounding bog, and even plots he had sprayed with
arsenate of lead, had been turned brown by the insect and
bore practically no crop.

We tried this treatment against the first brood on
two large plots this season, and while it failed to control
the insect entirely, it checked it so much that the plots
remained green while the surrounding bog was turned
rather brown, the contrast being striking.

We must test this insecticide further before we can
say at what strength, cost and effectiveness both con-
sidered, it should be used, or how many times it should
be applied to either brood. At the strength in which it
has so far been tested, it seems a rather expensive treat-
ment, for it would probably cost about $7.00 per acre per
application. Future experiments may show, however,
that weaker mixtures are sufficient. At any rate, this
treatment stands at present as the only really effective
method of controlling the first brood of the insect, burning
and flooding excepted, and in spite of its expense, it will,
for this reason, find favor in the management of many
bogs. I think that two applications for the first brood will
probably be found advisable. I suspect that as a treatment
for the second brood it may have to compete with arsenate
of lead, for there is a large chance of injuring tender foli-
age, and especially blossoms, in spraying with any contact
insecticide and arsenate of lead is far more effective a-
gainst the second brood than against the first. I rather
anticipate that two treatments of the first brood with
"Black Leaf 40" will be found so effective in checking
the pest that a thorough treatment for the second brood
will not seem so necessary as it is at present. In any
case, not more than one treatment of the second brood
with "Black Leaf 40" is likely to be desirable.

Just how "Black Leaf 40" controls this insect is a
question. Black-head worms sprayed under observation
did not seem much affected by it and in fair weather the

spray dries quickly on the vines. We gave cranberry
uprights that had been sprayed with it to some gypsy
moth caterpillars, providing still another lot with un-
sprayed vines as a check. The latter were eaten much
more freely than the former. This suggests that the
fire-worm may be controlled partly by a deterrent effect
of the insecticide.

The second brood did not do as much damage as
usual this season, or as much as might have been ex-
pected from the abundance of the first brood. The wet
season seemed to check it strongly in some way.

THE FRUIT WORM
[Mineola vaccinii (Riley)]

In the latter part of May, we covered large numbers
of fruit worms in their cocoons, in quart coffee cans
partly filled with moist sand, with different measured
and uniform depths of sand ranging firom three-six-
teenths of an inch to a full inch, and records of the sub-
sequent emergence of the insects were made. Unfor-
tunately, no check of worms not covered with any sand
was kept for comparison, but, judging from the freedom
with which the adult parasites and moths emerged
through 3-16, 1/4, %, i/2> %, 2-3, and even % inch depths, it
appears that resanding as commonly done does not much
affect the abundance of either the fruit worm or its
worm parasites. The full inch covering of sand ap-
peared to smother most of the moths and parasites,
though few of both came out even from that depth.

The fruit worm parasitism seems to have been con-
siderably less than last year, but we have not yet com-
pleted our study of it.

This pest has done the least injury this season of
any year in my experience. It certainly has not been less
prevalent since 1903. We have no reliable information
concerning it in years previous to 1904* The data we

have thus far accumulated seems to indicate that weather
conditions largely affect its prevalence.

As far as possible, we have tried to determine its
relative abundance in the various cranberry growing re-
gions. It seems most harmful on Cape Cod and in Wis-
consin, being far less troublesome in New Jersey. The
amount of its injury on dry bogs (without winter-flow-
age) in the latter section, when we were there last sea-
son, seemed to be about the same as on our flowed ones
here. It does about the same damage on Long Island
and Nantucket as in New Jersey, being far less prevalent
there than on Cape Cod. It appears to be almost, if not
entirely, unknown on the Pacific Coast of Oregon and
Washington.

You will notice that the insect is not usually very
troublesome except in the regions with comparatively
cold and dry climates, a heavier total rainfall as well as
a higher average temperature being characteristic of the
warmer sections.. We might expect from this that any
variation in the Cape climate toward that of the warmer
regions would be likely to reduce this pest, whereas any
variation in the opposite direction would be likely to tend
to make it more abundant.

Cape Cod data appears to strongly substantiate this
conclusion. The season of 1905 was the most disastrous
one on record from the standpoint of fruit worm injury.
We had a lower mean temperature here in 1904 than in
any subsequent year up to the present time and in 1905
had a smaller total precipitation than in any year since^
in spite of the fact that the rainfall in all the last five
months of the year, except October, was heavy. Of the
severity of the winters of 1903-04 and 1904-05, the An-
nual Summary of the New England Section of the Climate
and Crop Service of the Weather Bureau for 1905 (page
3) remarks as follows : "February — the last of the win-
ter months, with its remarkably low temperature record
— completes one of the coldest winters of official record.
At Boston the mean temperature for the three months,

December, January and February, 1904-05, 24.8 degrees,
is the lowest for the winter months since 1871, except-
ing 24.4 degrees in 1903-04 and 24.5 degrees in 1873-4.
The winter for New England, as a v;hole, was the coldest
since the estabhshment of the weather service of this
section in 1884. The mean temperature was 17.9 de-
grees, and the next lowest is 18.0 degrees for the winter
1903-04."

As far as we have been able to determine, the great-
est reductions in fruit worm activity in recent years, a-
side from that of the present season, occurred in 1906
and 1913. The records of the Weather Bureau show that
the total precipitation of 1906 on the Cape was the great-
est of any year since 1904, May, June and July being
especially wet months. The winter of 1905-06 was most-
ly an open one. Both temperature and precipitation ran
abnormally high throughout the greater part of the pe-
riod beginning with October, 1912, and ending May 1,
1913, the winter being very open. You will recall, as
affecting the present season, the record high tempera-
tures of last September, how open for the most part last
winter was, and what a tremendously wet growing sea-
son we have had.

THE TIP WORM
(Cecidomyia oxycoccana Johnson)

The season's observations of the effect of resanding
on the abundance of the tip worm sustain the conclusions
heretofore reported.

W have recently discovered that this insect is the
host of a number of species of Chalcidid parasites, one of
which infested a large majority of the maggots this
season.

WATER INJURIES

Our wet season has given us a good chance to study
certain effects of water on the blossoms and small berries.
As a rule, the bogs bloomed heavily, and for a time a re-

cord breaking crop was expected, but an unusually large
proportion of the blossoms failed to set fruit.

It was mostly the under berries that failed to de-
velop, for the crop as a whole is more on top than usual.
Almost no berries are commonly found in thick clumps
of vines, where the bossoms were abundant, while in thin
vines nearby there is a fair amount of fruit.

These conditions are general, though less so on the
bogs that either had no winter-flowage or had it taken
off early. The rainy weather during the blossoming
period evidently caused this failure of the set, though it
is hard to say how it did so. The rain may have pre-
vented a proper fertilization of the blossoms, either by
washing off the pollen or by preventing bees from work-
ing actively. Perhaps the blossoms were blasted by an
unusual prevalence of fungous diseases induced by the
excessive moisture.

I venture the opinion that late holding of the winter
flowage so throws the blossoming period out of its nor-
mal season that the danger of its meeting unfavorable
conditions for the setting of the fruit is usually consider-
ably increased thereby.

That the flooding of a bog when the berries are very
small is dangerous was shown by the effects observed on
bogs flowed by freshets caused by the excessive rain-
fall which culminated in the great precipitation of July
24, when it was estimated that over 1000 acres of the
Cape bogs, either in or only a little past their blooming
period, were under water. Some bogs, with the blossom-
ing period past and crop fully set, that were submerged
for not over 15 hours, lost half their berries in spite of
the cloudy weather that prevailed when the water was
let off and for three days afterward. The largest of the
berries injured under these circumstances were somewhat
over a quarter of an inch in diameter. A considerable per-
centage of the larger berries on some bogs, however, en,
dured submergence for two or three days without ap-
parent injury.

A new 60-acre bog at Assonet, Mass., belonging to
Mr. A. E. Bullock, was reflowed on the night of May 31
to control the fire worm, the vines being completely sub-
merged for 48 hours. The flooding and draining were
done entirely at night. A few days later, my attention
was called to the injury that had resulted. We visited
the bog and found the buds, and even the tops of the up-
rights on parts of it, seriously hurt. The injury was
mainly on the central portion of the bog and centered
around a large pile of ashes that had been left from the
burning of stumps and brush when it was built. Vines
at considerable distances from this pile showed but slight
injury, except in a streak parallel to the end of the dike,
toward which the wind had blown during the reflowage.

Leaves of bushes which had hung down into, or stood
in the water of the reflow, around the margin of the bog.
showed a marked and unusual burning injury, and they
bore traces of a white powder, which appeared to be ash
that had floated in the water from the pile at the center
of the bog.

The situation as a whole led us to conclude that the
ash pile had caused the trouble. Piles of ashes on bogs
are probably dangerous, on account of the lye leached
from them.

Late holding of a deep winter-flowage is dangerous.
This flowage was started off from a bog in Assonet on
June 10, its withdrawal being completed on the 11th.
When we visited this bog on June 30, the vines seemed
completely dead where the flowage had been deepest (5
feet deep), whereas they showed no appreciable injury,
aside from the retarded seasonal development of growth,
where the water had been shallowest (2 feet deep), their
last year's leaves having been well retained and appear-
ing green and healthy.

Where the water had been deepest, last year's
leaves had all fallen off, the buds at the tips of the up-
rights were gone, and the vines were brittle and showed
no green in the break when broken off. There was a

complete gradation in the injury from this condition to
that where the flowage had been shallowest, correspond-
ing with the variation in elevation.

Part of the vines on this bog were set out in the
spring of 1914 and part in the spring of 1915, strips of
both plantings running from the lowest to the highest
parts of the bog. We are informed by the manager that
the one year sets where the flowage was deep have finally
recovered to some extent, but that the two year plantings
were killed entirely.

A large bog in Rochester, the winter flowage of
which ranged in depth from 31/2 feet to 4 feet, had this
flowage held until after the 1st of June this season.
This is an old bog, with vines well established. Where
the water had been deepest, last year's leaves all came
off, leaving the uprights alive, but bearing only the term-
inal bud. On the other hand, there was no abnormal fall-
ing of the leaves where the water had been shallowest.
As on the Assonet bog, there was a complete gradation
in the injury corresponding with the variation in the
depth of the flowage.

30th Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR

19 17

TOGETHER WITH REPORT
OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN

IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI-
MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREHAM

A^nnual IVIeeting

The 30th annual meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry-
Growers' Association convened on Tuesday morning,
August 24, at the State Bog, East Wareham.

President John C. Makepeace called the meeting to
order and made an opening address in which he outlined
some of the conditions which will have to be considered
this year in relation to the food situation and transporta-
tion problems.

The report of the previous meeting was accepted as
printed.

The meeting then proceeded to elect officers for the
ensuing year with the following results :

Directors — John C. Makepeace, James T. Hennessy,
Irving C. Hammond, George B. Allen, George R. Briggs,
Dr. C. R. Rogers, Z, H. Jenkins, Samuel B. Gibbs, Dr.
Franklin F. Marsh, T. T. Vaughan, C. C. Wood, Marcus
L. Urann.

John C. Makepeace refused to be considered a can-
didate for re-election to the office of president.

It was voted that the president appoint a committee
of three to submit a list of nominees for officers and he
appointed the following: N. P. Sowle, L. B. R. Barker and
Irving C. Hammond. This committee nominated the fol-
lowing: President, James T. Hennessy; first vice presi-
dent, J. C. Makepeace, second vice president ; Dr. F. F.
Marsh; secretary, L. C. Hall; treasurer, Z. H. Jenkins.

Mr. Makepeace declined the nomination of first vice
president and the name of George R. Briggs was substi-
tuted in his place.

The unarimou'J choice of fh'^ meetfrio- for officers was
as fo^iow.-^^: President. Jrmes T. Hennessy: first vice pres-

ident, George R. Briggs ; second vice president, Dr. F. F.
Marsh ; treasurer, Z. H. Jenkins ; secretary, L. C. Hall.

Prof. William P. Brooks, director of the State Agri-
cultural Experiment station, was the first speaker called
upon. He stated that in view of the situation being un-
usual, it will be necessary for growers to study deeper into
the problems arising.

Prof. Brooks told of his efforts to keep records of the
chemical changes which take place when fertilizers are
used. He told of his difficulties in getting the right re-
sults and said that he had not been altogether success-
ful as yet. He announced that Dr. Franklin has been al-
lowed to employ a stenographer and also of the study of
storage and keeping cranberries which work is to be ex-
tended in scope. It is hoped that the work of the station
may be enlarged.

He asked that the association endeavor to get a spec-
ial appropriation from the legislature for the use of the
station.

The net income from the bog has averaged $1,500
considering the commercial costs, aside from $1,500 used
for experimental purposes. It is desirable that a new
roof be put on the building, that there be additional stor-
age facilities and an improved power plant.

Dr. C. L. Shear, of the U. S. Department of Agricul-
ture read a paper upon the spoilage of cranberries after
picking. Dr. Shear's investigations are highly valuable
to the industry.

Prof. Morse of Amherst spoke upon the respiration
of the cranberry.

V. A. Saunders, of the Bureau of Crop Estimates,
was the next speaker. He told of what he had done to
improve the crop estimating situation. He has sched-
uled the acreage by towns. Last year there was a lack of
data of the crops on small bogs. Last year the shrinking
of crops after picking was unusually small. The crop this

year is considerably later than usual and crop estimates
will be delayed considerably.

S. D, Hanna said that nothing is too good for the
American soldier and the idea of furnishing cranberry
sauce to the soldiers is being developed. This question
has been taken up with the authorities at Washington.
It will take at least 20,000 to give even a small quantity
of cranberries to our forces in the field. It was suggested
that the sauce be produced in the home and packed per-
haps in buckets and in this way work the matter out.

It was voted that a committee of three be appointed
to act with Mr. Hanna upon this matter. Messrs. J. C.
Makepeace, M. L. Urann and J. T. Hennessy were chosen
for this committee.

A committee on Gypsy Moth investigation was ap-
pointed as follows : J. M. Bump, John Churchill, I. C. Ham-
mond, C. A. Driscoll, J. J. Walsh.

F. William Rane, State Forester, spoke on the gypsy
moth question and expressed his belief that for the next
three years this section must be prepared to put up a
strenuous fight against the pest.

John A. Farley, deputy state forester, also spoke
upon the question. He said that everyone who owns ten
acres of bog ought to have a spraying outfit and learn to
u^e it themselves, instead of relying upon the public
officials.

Dr. Alfred P. Douchuowoski, of the U. S. Bureau of
Pl^nt Industry, sPoke upon the srientific study of peat
soils with especial relation to cranberries. His talk was
very interesting from the scientific facts disclosed.

Prof. Brooks suggested that a legislative committee
be appointed to endeavor to get a special appropriation
for the betterment of the State Bog plant, which has
shown efficient management by beine self-supporting;
since its establishment. The following legislative com-
nqif tee was aprtointed : John C. Makepeace, Franklin E,
Smith. Irving C. Hammond.

Dr. H. J. Franklin, director of the State Bog, gave a
review of his year's work and told of the results of his
investigations.

A vote of thanks was extended to John C. Makepeace,
retiring president, for his faithful and efficient services to
the association.

L. C. HALL, Clerk.

state BoQ Report

By H. a. F^ranklln

Mr. President and Members of the Cape Cod Cranberry-
Growers' Association:

I ask your attention to what I feel is the best invest-
ment a cranberry grower can make. Every bog manager
should have a "bug" net, for it helps so in checking some
of the pests. The ring to which the cloth of the net is
attached is of three-sixteenths inch wire and about 11
inches in diameter. The ends of the wire are sunk firmly
in a ferrule which fits snugly into, but may be removed
from, a socket on the end of a bamboo handle. The handle
is three feet long and is handiest if in two sections which
can be joined or taken apart readily. The netting is a
pood qu^.Hty muslin and is protected with canvas or heavy
cloth where sewed to the ring. If not so protected, it will
soon we^.r out.

A list of our cranberry pests the earliest stages of
AvhVVi maj^ be most easily found by using such a net,
follows :

1. Bud worms (cut worms of several different spe-
cies)

2. False army worm (CalocamiDa nupera Lintner)

3. Snan worms Cmost common species is Epelis
truncatpria var. faxonii Minot)

4. Gypsy moth C Forth etria dispar J .^

^. Army worm (Cimhis unipuncta Ha worth)
6. Fall army worm (Laphygma frugiperda S. & A.)
You would be surprised to know how often growers
ask how to check one or another of these pests after they
have done their work and got full grown. They are often
j'^out to disaDTjear for the season when found. They
should be treated when small for they can be controlled

best then and they do much of their injury before near-
ing full growth.

The gypsy moth now infests the Cape pretty gener-
ally. As it increases on the uplands, it will menace the
bogs more, because of the hatching of eggs on the bogs,
the wind drift of the small caterpillars, and the crawling
of the large ones, discussed heretofore before this asso-
ciation. As this pest gets more harmful, it will be in-
creasingly important that managers find it and determine
its abundance on their bogs in its first stages.

I know of nothing better for this than the net I have
described. By counting the sweeps you make over the
vines with it and the caterpillars you get with a certain
number of sweeps, you can easily learn how much your
bog is attacked by any of the insects I have named and be
ready to meet what you find. If you have only a few
scattering worms, it wastes time and money to spray, and
it is often unwise even to flow.

In former years I found that with the false army
worm the collection of five worms with 50 sweeps of the
net showed too little infestation to spray. When 50
sweeps got 15 or more, however, the trouble always
proved great enough to demand spraying, if flowing
could not be done. Like counts may be indicative with
the other pests I have mentioned.

An outbreak of our commonest species of

CRANBERRY SPANWORM
[Epelis truncataria var. faxonii Minot]
near here this season was treated once with six pounds of
arsenate of lead paste to 50 gallons of water with great
success, no noticeable injury from what started as a se-
vere infestation appearing afterward.

THE SPITTLE INSECT
[Clastoptera proteus Fitch]
This species, common on dogwood and supposed to
occur on a variety of plants, abounds on occasional cran-

berry bogs every year. It has seemed unusually preval-
ent this season, there being so much spittle on many bogs
as to wet one's shoes like a heavy dew.

I have given this insect much study this year and
find it commonly infests dry bogs and apparently also
those that are winter-flowed but not re-flowed. It is said
to winter in the egg stage. In this stage it seems to en-
dure the long flooding. I have not yet found it prevalent
on a bog re-flowed according to the usual practice.
' Some growers think this species is very harmful
when abundant and I suspect this is so, in spite of the fact
that some infested vines I marked one summer matured
their fruit well. I have marked several hundred infested
uprights and as many unattacked ones with yarn this
season, and by examining these later I mean to find what
effect the sucking of these insects has on the growth and
fruiting of the vines.

The young larvae were found just starting their
spittle on cranberry vines on June 13 and were abundant
on several bogs on June 25, the spittle masses then being
well developed. They were very plentiful from that time un-
til after mid-July, but they had nearly disappeared by the
20th of that month. The first grown insect obtained in
confinement emerged July 12. The adults of both sexes
came out rapidly from the 15th to 19th. These insects are
from about one-eighth to nearly three-sixteenths of an
inch long. They are glossy, the males being black and
the females black with yellow stripes. They jump lively
when disturbed.

A heavily infested area was sprayed July 5 with
"Black Leaf 40," used one part to 400 parts of water,
resin fish-oil soap being added at the rate of two r
to 50 gallons. The insects were nearly full grown and
well enveloped in spittle. I examined the treated area
July 6 and found most of the insects had been killed by
the spray and most of the spittle masses had dried up.
This test shows the treatment is effective in case the

species is later proved a serious pest. •

The season was very late, and, judging by the date
I saw spittle beginning to form, the insects must begin to
hatch some years very early in June or late in May. If
they are treated, the spray must be applied any year by
mid-June to pay best.

THE GYPSY MOTH
[Porthetria dispar L.]

Early last January we submerged several batches of
this insect's eggs, collected from trees shortly before, in
two or three feet of water in a pond, leaving two lots in
the basement of the screen-house as a check on the hatch
of the others.

The hatch of those kept in the basement was nearly
perfect, while less than 1 per cent of those taken from
the pond May 16 and none of those removed May 24, Maj''
29 or June 2 hatched. All these eggs were put on sand in
pails when taken from the water, and kept in the upper
part of the screen-house, as were also those kept in the
basement. A lot taken from the pond June 7 was put at
once on the State bog, the egg masses being spread under
the vines with care to place them as a moth might lay
them. This lot was observed until July 4 and but one egg
was known to hatch, a newly hatched worm being found
on a vine above the eggs June 21. These results confirm
those of former years in showing that the eggs do not en-
dure very late holding of the winter water. It remains,
however, to learn the earliest date when the water can be
let go without fear of a dangerous hatch where eggs have
been laid abundantly on a bog the year before.

Mr. C. W. Minott of the Bureau of Entomology made
some valuable investigations in May and June, 1916, of
the wind-spread of gypsy moth caterpillars onto cran-
berry bogs. He allows me to give a condensed account
of them here :

"Two bogs in Carver, Mass., were selected for exiDer-

iments on wind dispersion, namely, Muddy Pond
bog, containing about 100 acres, and John's Pond
bog, containing about 44 acres (including pond).
Six screens made of cotton cloth tacked to a
frame in two sections, each being 3 by 10 feet,
were set up horizontally just above the tops of the vines
at various distances from the neighboring woodlands.
Each screen contained 60 square feet of cloth upon which
tanglefoot was applied. Daily examinations of each
screen were made and data were taken concerning the
temperature and the direction and velocity of the wind
during the dispersion period.

The screens were located on the bogs at various dis-
tances, ranging from 400 to 1200 feet, from woodland in-
festations. From one screen, located 600 feet from in-
fested woodland on the northwest and 900 feet on the
west, 62 small caterpillars were removed during the sea-
son, or slightly more than 1 to the square foot. A total
of 143 small worms was wind-borne onto the six screens,
which indicated that an average of about 17,000 per acre
blew onto the bogs. The infestations around these bogs
are as yet only medium in extent, this showing what hap-
pens when the surroundings of bogs become thickly in-
fested." *

I helped Mr. Minott in an experiment of this sort at
the Wankinco bog this season. We used a horizontal
tanglefoot-covered screen, placed 583 feet on its south
side, 837 feet on its north-east side and 635 feet on its
northwest side from the upland. It covered 53 1-3 square
feet and during the wind-drift period caught two of the
worms. If this shows fairly the wind drift onto the cen-
tral part of the bog, 1634 gypsy worms per acre blew
onto it during the season. This result is significant, as
the bog is so large and as its environs were so little in-

*Collins, C. W.: Methods used in determining Wind Dispersion
of the Gypsv Moth and Some Other Insects, Journal of Economic
Entomologry, Vol. 10, p. 174, 1917.

fested in the early spring that it seemed doubtful if the
experiment would pay.

On June 15 a grower told me he had recently success-
fully treated gypsy caterpillars floating on the flowage of
some bogs with kerosene. He used five gallons to six acres
and poured it on the water on the windward side. The
worms must have been fully a third grQwn.

On June 9 I sprayed oak bushes much infested with
the gypsy with "Black Leaf 40" used at the rate of one
part to 400 parts of water, with resin fish-oil soap added
at the rate of two pounds to 50 gallons. The worms were
in their second, third and fourth stages, being from 6
mm. to 15 mm. long, and the spray killed all it hit. Other
bushes covered with gypsy worms were sprayed with
"Black Leaf 40" used at the rate of one part to 800 parts
of water, with soap as before. This treatment was par-
tially effective, but very many caterpillars survived it.

On June 19 I sprayed more infested bushes with
"Black Leaf 40" used at the rate of one part to 400, soap
being added as before. The caterpillars were in their
third, fourth and fifth stages, being 10 mm. to 22 mm..
long, and the treatment killed most of them, though many
of the larger ones survived.

Nearly full grown caterpillars were sprayed July 5
with "Black Leaf 40" used at the rate of one part to 200,
with the soap as before. This was not effective.

All these tests were tried in sunny weather. Judging
by their results, the 1 to 400 "Black Leaf 40" spray kills
the worms in their early stages but is of no use when they
near full growth. One part to 800 parts of water is too
weak at any time. Further experiments may show that
a medium strength, such as one part to 600, will kill the
very young caterpillars.

These conclusions are of special interest in relation
to the recent developments in the control of the black-
head fire-worm, which insect I will discuss next.

THE BLACK-HEAD FIRE-WORM
[Rhopobota vacciniana (Pack).]

We controlled this pest well this season in all tests
where we used "Black Leaf 40" at the rate of one part to
400 parts of water, adding two pounds of resin fish-oil
soap to 50 gallons. After this treatment the infestation
was always greatly reduced and the worms were found
dead among the sewed up vines in great numbers. We
failed to locate well the plots we treated with the one to
800 "Black Leaf 40" spray, the infestation in no case prov-
ing great enough to hurt the vines around them much.

We must try this insecticide much more before we
to tell what strengths to use under all conditions, but It
certainly has displaced arsenate of lead as a control for
this insect. It is expensive, costing about $7.00 per acre
per application when used as strong as one part to 400
of water. On this account, and because of great injury done
by tramping over the vines in spraying, I feel this treat-
ment will be most useful for checking the insect when it
gets a start on only a part of a bog, thus preventing its
spread to the rest of the vines, or for stopping the fur-
ther development of light infestations generally, or as an
accessory treatment where re-flowing fails to completely
control the pest because of deficient water supplies. When
a bog gets thoroughly infested and cannot be re-flowed, I
think it usually can be treated best, all things considered,
by holding the winter flowage until about July 10. This
will wipe out an infestation very well and at the same
time clear a bog of many less important pests that in the
aggregate do much harm. When "Black Leaf 40" is used,
the number of applications advisable will depend on how
severe the infestation is and how well it can be curbed by
re-flowing. While this spray checks either brood, it can,
as a rule, be used more profitably against the first than
against the second. Control of the gypsy moth and the
fire-worm with the same application is feasible, as the
time for the first treatment of the fire-worm's first brood

is usually not too late for spraying the gypsy. When you
treat both insects, you must use the "Black Leaf 40" as
strong as one part to 600 of water, and one to 400 prob-
ably will pay better.

THE FRUIT WORM

[Mineola vaccinii (Riley).]

The results of a series of tests tried last fall and win-
ter show that the effect of submergence on the worms in
their cocoons depends largely, if not mainly, on the tem-
perature of the water, and they suggest that re-flowing
after picking, if begun before October 1 and continued
for twelve, or possibly even ten days, may control this in-
sect as well as late holding of the winter flowage does.
You may say that such flooding interferes with harvest-
iner- but a*^ late mcking is usually a result of late holding
of the previous winter flowage and as late holding is most
commonly practiced to check the fruit worm this objec-
tion is h^irdly valid. Flooding annually after picking prob-
ably will harm a bog less than late holding of the winter
water yearly.

"ROSE BLOOM" DISEASE

This disease, frequently called "false Wossom" bv
Massachusetts growers, is due to the fungus Exobasidium
oxycocci Rostr. It causes great enlargement and a rosy
coloring of the tender shoots in June and July. It deform-
ed many of the blossoms on several bogs again this year.
It damaged more bogs this season than in any year since
1 907. greatly reducing the cron wherever abundant. It is
a curious and perhaps significant fact that I have never
yet seen it very nrevalent on a bog that was regularly re-
flowed after picking.

CRANBERRY STORAGE

Storage tests last fall gave good evidence that ad-
mixtures of loose cranberry leaves (separated from the

vines) are harmful in cranberry keeping, while leaves and
vines attached, as they usually go into the boxes in pick-
ing, have little effect either way.

Berries from the tops of the vines, where they had
grown exposed to the elements, kept better than those
produced down in the vines. As deep scoop picking gath-
ers maximum amounts of underberries, loose leaves and
sand, it should be done discreetly. We found scoop pick-
ing not particularly harmful to keeping quality.

Berries picked wet kept poorly, this result according
with general experience.

Berries left in the sun on the bog most of the day
during picking seem to keep about as well as those housed
at once, under average storage-house conditions. I think
there might be much difference in this, however, if cooler
storage were practiced, for the high temperature usually
had by the berries when they are picked probably has a
hurtful effect, hence the sooner they are cooled the better.

Analyses of cranberries made by Prof. F. W. Morse
at Amherst indicate that with this fruit, as with apples,
the weight shrinkage of the sound fruit in storage is due
mainly to losses incidental to respiration, not to loss of
water by evaporation.

Cranberries, like other fruits, are living, breathing
organisms when picked, and must take in oxygen and give
off carbon dioxide freely to continue their life processes.
They may do this for months after they leave the vines.
Lack of ventilation probably affects them much as
smothering does an animal, — by letting the carbon diox-
ide gas given off by their tissues accumulate and reducing
their supply of oxygen. Experiments of Dr. Shear and
his associates have shown the harmful effect of the car-
bon dioxide.

As has been well demonstrated with apples, the ra-
pidity of the life processes in fruits varies directly with
temperature, carbon dioxide being given off much faster
at high than at low temperatures. Cranberries seem to

follow this general rule. Your storage-houses probably
should be built and managed to maintain as low temper-
atures as possible without using artificial cold and with
little expense. This in turn, however, is likely in prac-
tice tod epend much on free but controllable ventilation. If,
as some of Dr. Shear's tests tend to show, damp air does
not hurt this fruit, to air the storage room well nights
and cold days is the cheapest way to get low tempera-
tures. For this reason there should be good ventilators
at the top of the building and near the ground.

While a low temperature is desirable for cranberries
after they leave the producer, this factor, except as it
may be utilized by cooling before shipment or by shipment
in refrigerator cars, is out of his control. You should,
therefore, make the most of careful handling of the fruit
and of good ventilation for it while in transit and in the
market. The latter seems to call for close grading and
for the use of as small and open containers as practicable.
Our shipping tests so far have resulted in favor of such
containers.

Tests seem to show that grading improves the keep-
ing of cranberries. This is not proved yet, but I consider
the point important. Closely graded berries, being larger
and more uniform, appear much more desirable than un-
graded ones. If they also keep better, the advisability
of preparing them for market in this way to induce their
larger use is much confirmed. If close grading were prac-
ticed generallv, it would heln greatly in controlling the
cranberry market, for, while it tended to increase con-
sumDtion on orie hand, it would in a way .cut down pro-
duction on the other. I think it is the best means for
dealiner with over-production, for if nart of a crop had
to be thrown away it would be only the berries of infer-
ior size or quality.

Our tests fail to show that separators using the
bouncine rnriciple injure the berries more than does the
White machine.

A NEW "EASER"

I have a new arrangement for preventing injury to
cranberries when they drop into a barrel from a separator
or screen. It is mechanically correct and promises to be
satisfactory, though no storage tests have been tried yet
to determine how effective it is. I have developed a sep-
arator attachment for it so it will work automatically
with any separator, or with the screens if the separator
is run by power or moving belt screens are used. You
may see it after the meeting.

FROST ENDURANCE OF CRANBERRIES

Several tests in 1915 and 1916 showed that the tem-
perature at which freezing begins among ripened Early
Black or Howes cranberries is at or slightly above 22
degrees F., no softening resulting from exposure to 28
degrees F.

Howes berries exposed to 15 1-3 degrees F. on the
vines in 1916 showed a loss of from 9 to 10 per cent by
frost. From 18 to 19 per cent of a lot that had endured
131/2 degrees F. were damaged and the loss in a lot ex-
posed to 9 degrees F. was from 52 to 53 per cent.

The records of minimum temperatures at this bog
from 1911 to 1916, inclusive, show that no temperature
low enough to harm well colored berries much occurred
in any picking season of those six years.

It appears, therefore, that for bogs in warm or aver-
age locations that are flooded by pumping, it does not pay
in the long run to try to protect well colored berries from
frost unless the crop is heavy.

REMOVING BERRIES FROM BOGS
I have a portable sectional bridge which we found
very useful here last fall in carting berries off the bog
with a team. With its help, we did this without killing
the vines in tracks by repeated passages of the wheels
over the same ground. The bridge across the marginal

ditch was moved to a new location after each load crossed
it. Present methods of removing berries from bogs are
costly and I think this bridge may be made to help lessen
the expense a lot. A light truck probably could be used
to advantage with it, but it has not been tried. I shall
be glad to show it to anyone.

A BOG MARGIN SANDING RIM

With many Cape Cod bogs a desirable reduction in
the cost of re-sanding could probably be had by developing
a sanding rim around the margin. With such a rim the
sand for any part could always be brought from the near-
est point. The rim should be wide enough for a good road-
way and be level with the bog surface, so as to serve as a
catch-basin for floating berries and leaves. Such a rim
would help protect a bog from fire.

As the rim is widened by the removal of sand in re-
peated resandings, the bog can be gradually enlarged by
planting on the margin, this extension being mostly clear
gain.

The rim can be made most readily when a bog is
built. While its development afterward would be attended
with some difficulties, it might pay in some cases.

Those who have been examining this bog may have
noticed that we have started to try a sanding rim here.

Xreasurep's Report

Z. H. JENKINS, Treasurer,

In Account With

CAPE COD CRANBERRY GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

Debit

1916

Aug. 22.

Balance Wareham Savings

Bank,

$437.28

Balance Wareham National

Bank,

39.28

Dinner Tickets,

77.10

Annual dues.

62.00

Membership Fees,

10.00

Aug. 30.

Annual dues,

36.00

1917

July 30.

Annual dues,

21.00

Aug. 20.

Annual dues,

Dividend on Savings Bank

74.00

Deposit,

Credit

17.66

1916

Aug. 26.

Lunches, R. Marston & Co.,

$64.26

Lunches for Speakers,

3.50

Printing, L. C. Hall,

1.00

Sept. 12.

Ice Cream, C. H. Waters,

14.01

1917

July 30.

Printing, L. C. Hall,

36.30

Aug. 18.

Stamped Envelopes, Goss,
Balance, Wareham Savings

12.15

Bank,

454.94

Balance, Wareham National

Bank,

188.16

$774.32

3 1 st Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR

19 18

TOGETHER WITH REPORT
OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN
IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI-
MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREHAM

A^nnual IVIeetiriQ

The 31st annual meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association was held at the Massachusetts
State Experimental Cranberry Bog at East Wareham,
on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 1918. Pres. James T. Hennessy,
presiding. The following list of officers were placed in
nomination and unanimously elected by ballot:

Directors — John C. Makepeace, James T. Hennessy,
Irving C. Hammond, George B. Allen, George R. Briggs,
Dr. C. R. Rogers, Z. H. Jenkins, Samuel B. Gibbs, Dr.
Franklin F. Marsh, T. T. Vaughan, C. C. Wood, Marcus
L. Urann.

President — James T. Hennessy.

First Vice-President — George R. Briggs.

Second Vice-President — Dr. F. F. Marsh.

Treasurer — Z. H. Jenkins, West Barnstable, Mass.

Secretary — L. C. Hall, Wareham.

The Gypsy Moth Committee reported concerning its
work, the report being made by J. M. Bump.

F. William Rane, State Forester, was introdliced
and spoke on the Gypsy Moth situation. For the last
three or four years the State Department has been
brought to close connection with the cranberry growers.
The problem is complicated by the fact that the owners
of the uplands which are infested by the moths have to
be made to see the necessity of cleaning up their land.
He told about the history of the efforts of attempts to
control the insects. It has been realized that the cran-
berry industry is of great importance in this section just
as the apple industry is a big industry in Essex County.
It is the purpose of the Forestry department to give at-
tention to the industry of greatest importance in each
particular district.

The possibilities of the Cape country under war
conditions, are wonderful for the cutting out of the oak
woods and using them for fuel and giving the pine a
chance to develop. Hard wood is valuable for fuel and
pine is in great demand for boxboards. The waste in
our woodlands is appalling, with wood rotting on the
stump while the people are suffering for fuel. The in-
festation of the Cape has about reached its height and
from now on conditions may be expected to improve.
He said that the moth might be a blessing in the long
run, as it may develop the forests by the elimination
of the hard wood and thus improving the forests. He
stated that he expected to study the problems of the
cranberry growers and get equipment for subduing the
moth infestations. The department is seriously in earn-
est to do whatever needs to be done to help the cranberry
growers.

Regarding parasites he said that 45 varieties had
been introduced. The wilt disease is getting prevalent
aiid is helping the situation.

J. M. Bump for the gypsy moth committee reported
that the gypsy moth can be handled on bogs if you have
the equipment. With moths on the bogs it takes at least
two years to control them. The bog owners in each town
will have to see that their town supplies the proper
equipment and by using it intelligently the damage can
be controlled.

Walter M. Holmes, a district superintendent of
gypsy moth work, said that he would like to have a con-
ference with the growers to see what help is needed. He
said that cleaning up the woods around the bogs is the
most essential work and very effective.

It was voted to continue the committee on gypsy
moth work, consisting of J. M. Bump, John Churchill, I.
C. Hammond, C. A. Driscoll, J. J. Walsh and Walter M.
Holmes.

Prof. F. W. Morse of Amherst Agricultural Station

spoke on behalf of Prof. Brooks who is ill. He said that
there was an appropriation of $1000 for improvement
purposes at the State Bog and that the roof had been
shingled and the installation of an electric motor is con-
templated. He talked at length on "the respiration of
the cranberry," which proved a very interesting subject,
bearing on the keeping qualities of the berries.

Dr. C. L. Shear of Bureau of Plant Industry, Wash-
ington, D. C, spoke on "Rot and Spoilage," saying that
the barrel is about the worst package that can be de-
vised for the keeping and shipment of cranberries.

Wilfred Wheeler, Sec. State Board of Agriculture,
was introduced and spoke, touching on the seriousness
of white pine rust as a menace to the forests. He ad-
vocated a definite agricultural policy for the state, look-
ing toward a definite drainage program, which comes
closely to the cranberry business. He recommended
that the cranberry growers also raise other crops upon
the land adjacent to the bogs. Speaking upon the labor
problem he advocated the use of school children for a
half day. He also spoke of sheep raising upon lands
which exist in abundance in the Cape section. In regard
to the sugar situation he advocated the drying of cran-
berries so that they may be used for a larger period of
the year as we may have sugar. The fruit situation in
general is very poor and there is a very good outlook
for the sale of cranberries.

C. M. Chaney of the American Cranberry Exchange
read an interesting paper on "Railroad Service," giving
much valuable information as to how traffic will be han-
dled by Uncle Sam. Cranberries will have to be handled
on specified dates, and such routes will be used as will
be most available at the time of shipment. Through
train movements will be the rule whenever possible.

It was voted that the association cooperate with the
railroad administration in every way possible, and that
C. M. Chaney, J. J. Beaton, A. M. Banks and B. B. Sisson

be a committee to represent the association in matters
of traffic.

A. U. Chaney, general manager of the American
Cranberry Exchange, addressed the meeting upon the
sugar situation and other matters of vital interest to
growers. Each state will be allowed sugar in proportion
to its population (2 pounds per capita per month) . There
will be no change in that rule before December, and per-
haps not then. No family or person is supposed to buy
or have on hand more than one week's supply at any one
time. Experiments have been made with substitutes of
sugar for cranberry sauce. Half sugar and half white
corn syrup is the most practical substitute. The Ameri-
can Cranberry Exchange will institute a national adver-
tising campaign to introduce the use of white corn syrup
with cranberries.

It is believed that the jobbers will take hold of the
first round of cranberries, but if they do not sell readily
then the risk of future sales is serious. The question of
price will not enter into the sale of cranberries this year,
in the opinion of the speaker.

A letter from H. B. Scannel, secretary of the Amer-
ican Cranberry Growers' Association of New Jersey, was
read which placed the crop of New Jersey at between
90,000 and 75,000 barrels.

V. A. Saunders of the U. S. Agricultural Dept., Bu-
reau of Crop Estimates, gave the following figures in re-
gard to the New England crop. Last year the crop was
about 120,000 barrels. Reports of crop this year indi-
cate that one half the crop was killed by the frost of June
20; insect injury has been less than usual.

The 1918 estimate of the crop as indicated from re-
ports from growers is 172,800 barrels.

In Wisconsin the crop is estimated at 44,000 barrels.

The acreage in Massachusetts is estimated to be
14,000 acres, a large proportion of which is bog in poor
condition.

The president was directed to extend to Prof. Brooks
the regrets of the association for his inabihty to be pres-
ent.

L. B. R. Barker told of what is being done about
securing a power picking machine. He said that much
progress had been made in an experimental way. It is
absolutely vital that such a machine be secured and it
was his opinion that it can be done because it must be
done.

Dr. H. J. Franklin, of the State Experimental sta-
tion, gave an important report which v/ill be published
later.

The following Legislative committee was reappoint-
ed: John C. Makepeace, Franklin E. Smith, Irving C.
Hammond.

After the meeting adjourned the members had an
opportunity to view the working of a picking machine
demonstrated by the inventor, J. W. Touhey.

The ladies of the Wareham Special Aid society
served an excellent luncheon at noon, the profits of which
will be used for the benefit of soldiers and sailors.

L. C. HALL, Clerk.

state BoQ F^eport

By H. J. Franklin

Mr. President and Members of the Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association:

We sprayed four Early Black plots last season with
"Corona" arsenate of lead, and the sprayed fruit as a
rule kept much better in storage tests than did that from
the unsprayed check areas. This result confirms that of
like tests conducted the year before. The evidence thus
far, therefore, indicates a considerable fungicidal value
for this insecticide when it is used on Early Black vines.

Five comparative storage tests were conducted with
graded and ungraded fruit last fall. On the whole there
was little difference in the keeping of these berries, this
result contradicting that obtained in 1916.

An experienced observer' has estimated that Early
Black berries held in common storage at a bog for late
trade shrink as much as 10 per cent aside from any de-
cay. The difference between the averages of cup counts
taken at the beginning and at the end of the storage in
one grading test showed a size shrinkage of about 10 per
cent for this variety between Oct. 10 and Jan. 14. This
fruit was picked Sept. 20 and its total size shrinkage
must have been much more than 10 per cent, for cran-
berries lose weight in ordinary storage considerably more
than twice as fast in the early fall as in the winter'.

The loss from size shrinkage under conditions of
free ventilation is evidently so large, especially in the early
fall, that the advisability of making special provisions

' Griffith, H. S., In Ann. Rept. New Eng. Cranb. Sales Co.,

1913, p. 20.
= Bui. No. 128, Mass. Agr. Expt. Sta., 1916. p. 16.

for ventilating, except where this may aid in maintain-
ing low temperatures, is much reduced. I think that
shipping in crates instead of in barrels is, except with
poorly colored fruit, desirable more because it reduces
mass bruising than because it allows freer ventilation.

In one grading test, Howes berries were stored in
Beaton half -barrel crates with the covers nailed on. Cup
counts showed there was practically no size shrinkage in
these packages. With open picking crates, however, such
fruit shrunk over 4 per cent in the same storage period.
This difference in shrinkage, being due to the difference
in ventilation, is probably a fair measure of it. If so the
Beaton crate has practically no ventilation when packed
for shipment.

Storing cranberries in water has been recommended
often as a way to keep them for a long time. Experi-
ments last fall showed that when thus stored they soon
soften from smothering. The berries softened by the
water had much the same peculiar character that those
smothered in dry storage have. They were dull in color
and the red coloring had permeated all parts of the berry
thoroughly. They lacked the bitter taste of the fruit
smothered dry, however, and were therefore suitable for
cooking when taken from the water.

Unpicked Howes berries at the station bog were
kept from freezing with planks and leaves until the bog
was flowed for the winter on Dec. 13, 1917. Some of
this fruit was examined Jan. 1 through a hole cut in the
ice and was then found fresh and crisp. The berries
were picked by hand April 1, 1918, before the water was
let off, and were all soft then. The writer cut some of
them open and found their flesh reddened throughout,
their appearance being that of smothered berries.

Some of the tests showed that green and partly col-
ored berries will not color up without ventilation. There-
fore such fruit in particular should be stored and shipped
in ventilated containers.

Berries run through a Hayden separator were com-
pared in storage tests with fruit cleaned with the White
machine and the results showed, as those of like tests did
the year before, that the two kinds of machines cause
about the same amount of injury.

FROST STUDIES

As the records made at the Station during the past
five years seemed a fair basis for a study of frost con-
ditions on cranberry bogs on Cape Cod, and as the great
loss from frost last September made the need of closer
predictions seem imperative, I gave most of last winter
to a careful investigation in this connection. My most
important result was a new method for computing mini-
mum temperatures on any night in which frost condi-
tions prevail. This method can probably be refined much
more, but it is already in fair condition for practical use
in forecasting. It probably is as reliable for computing
on windy nights, if they are clear, as on still ones, but
much cloudiness during the night renders it inaccurate.

Predictions by the new method are made from read-
ings at 8 P. M., standard time (9 P. M. as the clocks now
run) . As a few minutes are needed to take the readings
and make the calculation, I do not have the forecast ready
until 8:15. I want the prediction made at that time to
be regarded as the standard forecast for the night. An
opinion based on less accurate reckoning, however, will
be given at any time from 6 to 8 P. M.

As damaging frost may occur as early as 11 P. M.,
this warning will sometimes give only three hours in
which to flood. Frost flooding can be done on many bogs
in this time, but it takes several hours more on most of
the larger areas with their present flumes and canals.
Many growers would profit by greatly enlarging these
equipments so as to flood more quickly and make full
use of the warnings obtained by the new method.

The 8 P. M. temperature at a height of from 17 to 20
feet above the bog level is one of the factors used in the
new method. I have been making quite accurate predic-
tions for the Atwood bog at South Carver this season by
substituting the shelter temperature at that bog for the
station shelter temperature in the formula by which I
calculate. This suggests that growers may help both
themselves and the work by placing Green thermometers
in elevated locations near their bogs and telephoning to
the station their 8 P. M. reading.

I have lately observed a peculiar but widespread ef-
fect of the heavy frost we had the night of June 20. The
season's growth has failed to recover and form buds for
next year on considerable areas. On such areas, there-
fore, the frost really destroyed two crops.

WEEDS

I have collected, mounted and identified over fifty
species of cranberry bog weeds. The main cranberry
weed problems seem to group themselves naturally under
the four following heads :

1. Identification of species.

2. The study of the distribution and the characteris-

tics of growth of the various species.

3. Methods of eradication.

4. The possibility of using the weeds as indicators

of a bog's history, its condition and needs.
It seem.ed certain that some weeds give trouble in
many cases only because proper care was not taken to
guard against them when the bog was built.

THE BLACK-HEAD FIRE-WORM
[Rhopobota vacciniana (Pack.)]

Several infested Cape bogs had their winter-flowage
held until July 10 this year. This greatly reduced the
infestation, but there was a considerable hatch in every

case after the water was let off. It is now doubtful if
late holding can be relied on to eradicate the pest entirely
unless it is continued until the first of August.

On large bogs the most successful treatment to any
extent this year was that of letting the winter flowage off
about the first of June and flooding again from three
weeks to a month later. You will recall that I have re-
ported this as effective in previous years.

THE SPITTLE INSECT
[Clastoptera vittata Ball.]*

This year the season was much earlier than in 1917
and the small masses of spittle were first found May 28.
Judging by the size of some of the masses, the insect
must have begun hatching four or five days before this.
It was noted July 10, 1918, that nearly all the adults had
emerged.

Some cranberry growers have long considered this
species very harmful when abundant. To determine this
point I marked several hundred infested uprights with
blue, and as many uninfested vines with red, yarn a little
after mid-July, last year. I examined these uprights in
December, the weakened or dead condition of most of
those that had been infested leaving no doubt that this
is a very injurious insect.

On June 2 I sprayed an infested area with "Black
Leaf 40," one part to 800 parts of water, resin fish-oil
soap being added at the rate of 2 pounds to 50 gallons.
The nymphs were small and the treatment was very ef-
fective, practically all the spittle masses disappearing,
while they remained abundant on the untreated sur-
rounding parts of the bog.

I have reared adults of this insect from seven dif-
ferent species of Ericacious plants besides the cranberry

' Called Clastoptera protens. Fitch, in last year's report of
this association, p. 8.

this season. It infested all these species but one very
severely. As some of these plants grow in great abund-
ance around or near most Cape bogs, they furnish a large
source of infestation for them. As the insect does not
infest reflowed bogs, however, its progress from the up-
lands onto the bogs must be very slow.

HARVESTING MACHINE

By an agreement between the Massachusetts Agri-
cultural Experiment Station and a committee of this as-
sociation, I have given much time this season to the de-
velopment of a cranberry harvester. Considerable pro-
gress in this seems to have been made.

Xreasupep's Report

Z, H. JENKINS, Treasurer,

In Account With

CAPE COD CRANBERRY GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

Debit
1917
Aug. 21. Cash Balance, Wareham Sav-
ings Bank, $454.94
Cash Balance, Wareham Na-
tional Bank, 188.16
Aug. 22. Annual dues, 72.00
Lunch tickets, 87.50
Dec. 31. Annual dues, 59.00
1918

$950.12

Aug. 20.

Annual dues.

Dividend on Savings Bank

69.00

Deposit,

19.52

Credit

1917

Oct. 31.

Lunches, I. B. Hollenbeck,
Telephones and expense — A.

$96.00

D. M. Co.,

16.51

Receipts, Folders, Tickets —

Hall,

8.25

1918

June 31.

Printing Annual Reports —

Hall,

30.00

Printing Envelopes — Stamps

Sales Co.,

14.00

Rent of Hall— M. E. Riley,

2.50

Aug. 8.

Envelopes — J. T. Hennessy,

15.66

Aug, 13. Envelopes and Circulars —

Thacher & Co., $31.50

Letter Heads and Envelopes —
Hall, 7.75

Aug. 19. Circular Letters — Hall, 3.50

Postage, 7.00

Aug. 20. Cash Balance, Wareham Na-
tional Bank, 242.99
Cash Balance, Wareham Sav-
ings Bank, 474.46

$950.12

32nd Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR

1919-1920

TOGETHER WITH REPORT
OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN

IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI-
MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREHAM

ANNUAL MEETING

The 32nd annual meeting of the Cape Cod
Cranberry Growers' Association was held at the State
Experimental bog at East Wareham on Tuesday.
August 26, with about 200 growers present.

President James T. Hennessy presided. The fol-
lowing officers were unanimously reelected for the
ensuing year:

President — James T. Hennessy.

1st Vice-President — George R. Briggs.

2nd Vice-President — Dr. F. F. Marsh.

Treasurer — Z. H. Jenkins.

Secretary — L. C. Hall.

Directors — John C. Makepeace, James T. Hen-
nessy, Irving C. Hammond, George B. Allen, George R.
Briggs, Dr. C. R. Rogers, Z. H. Jenkins, Samuel B.
Gibbs, Dr. Franklin F. Marsh, T. T. Vaughan, C. C.
Wood, Marcus L. Urann.

It was voted to raise the annual dues to $2.00
per year.

J. M. Bump, chairman of the Gypsy Moth commit-
tee, reported that the last season was very favorable
for the spread of the pests which seem to like Howe
vines better than other varieties. He said that spray-
ing is effective if done at the right time in the right
way. He believed that they could be controlled if
growers would take prompt action. He urged that the
committee be enlarged so as to have a representative
in each town and it was voted that the Gypsy Moth
committee be enlarged and the appointment of addi-
tional members be left to the president.

C. M. Chaney reported for the transportation
committee, stating that the shipping arrangements
made last year were very satisfactory considering con-
ditions. The method used was the solid cranberry
train movement through to Chicago. The railroads
are still in the hands of the government and similar
arrangements have been made this year. Two trains

a week will be made up at Middleboro and run via
Lackawanna and Wabash lines to Chicago on a five
day schedule. Beyond Chicago solid train movement
may be used when conditions warrant it. Much better
service west of Chicago is promised this year. There
is a possibility that strikes and the shortage of re-
frigerator cars may cause some trouble during the
present shipping season.

An expression of opinion as to when car shipments
could be made brought out the fact that most of the
growers will begin picking next week and that the
first solid train could probably leave Middleboro a
week from Friday.

Dr. H. J. Franklin, director of the State Experi-
mental bog, gave a report of his work. Flooding the
bog on the 16th of June resulted in very severe injury
indeed to this year's crop, over two thirds being de-
stroyed. He said the same thing had been done before
without damage resulting and that the cause was at
first puzzling. Investigations were made and as the
17th of June was a very cloudy day it suggested that
cloudiness might be responsible. Submerging tests
showed that strong light is essential to successful flood-
ing operations and that it is better to flood in clear
weather than when it is cloudy. Clear water is better
than dark water and shallow water better than deep
flooding. Light is essential to the life activities of the
plants and during the night oxygen in the water is
exhausted very rapidly and on a bright day the oxygen
increases very rapidly. He believed that injury was
due to the smothering of the plants for lack of oxygen.
A combination of a cloudy day and warm water is like-
ly to be dangerous for flooding.

In regard for treatment for fire worms, some bogs
have a supply of dark water and some have to be
flowed very deeply. While 48 hours flooding for fire
worms is recommended, it must be carried on with due
regard to weather conditions. With early black va-
rieties there is a tendency to develop fungus disease
when submerged as much as 30 hours. Howe vines
would only be affected slightly in the same time. His
conclusion was that it may be possible to flood Howe
vines for the control of fruit worms while it will be
dangerous to do so with early blacks.

Gypsy moths and span worms were more numer-
ous this year than ever before. Much damage might

have been prevented had the growers used insect col-
lecting nets for the purpose of getting information in
regard to damage being done by insects. A flooding
of 10 hours at the right time will give good results.

Fruit worms have been less abundant than for
several years. They hatched late and may be expected
to work well into September. For the control of the
black head fire worms he recommended spraying at
the time the millers were hatching.

He said that the weather bureau is planning to
establish four or five more weather stations in the cran-
berry district, the actual work be begun next spring.
Rochester, North Falmouth, Harwich and Duxbury
have been selected as places for the extra stations.
These will be equipped with full sets of instruments
for foretelling frosts.

It was voted to appropriate $546.83 for a Ford
truck for the use of Dr. Franklin.

An interesting discussion was had upon the proper
price to pay for picking. J. M. Bump said the cran-
berry growers should organize for their own protec-
tion like other industries and should work together
more. Meetings should be held more frequently and
such important matters discussed and courses decided
upon for the benefit of all. It was finally voted that it
was the sense of the meeting that 60c an hour and 20c
per box will be a fair price for picking this year.

It was voted to appoint a committee to investigate
the prices being charged for barrels and boxes. The
number and personnel of the committee was left to the
president, who will appoint.

It was voted that there be a spring meeting of the
association to be held in May.

Prof. W. P. Brooks of Amherst was a guest at the
meeting and made a few remarks.

Dinner was served in the basement of the building
under direction of R. T. Packard of Wareham, after
which a demonstration of picking machines were held.
There were three types of machines shown which dem-
onstrated their ability to pick cranberries upon the
bog. The results were far from satisfactory, but they
showed progress in the matter and gave encourage-
ment for further development along this Hne. The
Franklin, Hayden, and Ripley-Turner-Hopkins ma-
chines were the ones shown, but none of them had been
entirely completed so that actual working conditions

could be shown. As a demonstration it was very in-
teresting.

V. A. Saunders, field agent for the U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture, gave statistics in regard to crop
estimates, showing that it was probable that the Cape
crop this year would be in the vicinity of 350,000, as
compared with a total of 195,000 barrels last year.
The New Jersey crop is expected to be about 138,000
barrels as compared with 140,000 last year, while the
Wisconsin crop is expected to be 41,000 barrels, where
it had 34,200 barrels last year. He said the hail dam-
age of last Sunday was very slight, probably totalling
2 or 3 per cent damage.

It was voted that the president should appoint a
committee of three members to assist Mr. Saunders in
compiling statistics. The committee will be appointed
later,

A resolution was passed asking the Bureau of
Crop Estimates to have a new census made of the cran-
berry acreage.

The meeting was one of the most interesting that
has been held in recent years. Altogether it was very
helpful to the growers and much information was
given to those present.

Signed: L. C. HALL, Clerk.

SPRING MEETING

The first annual spring meeting of the Cape Cod
Cranberry Growers' association was held in Firemen's
hall, Wareham, on Saturday, May 1, about 75 mem-
bers being present. The meeting was called to orde?*
at about 10 o'clock in the morning with President
James T, Hennessy presiding.

John J. Beaton reported for the committee to
investigate the price of containers for cranberries the
coming season. It was the opinion of the committee
that nothing definite could be stated at this time and
that the main question is one of ability to get a suf-
ficient quantity.

Watson Hudson said that cottonwood barrels
would cost not less than $1.25 and that spruce barrels
will cost about $1.15.

Philip Cole said the price of bilge hoops was al-
most prohibitive and it is intended to use wire. The
prospects are that material will go higher after present
stocks are used up.

President Hennessy said: "We ought to place our
contracts now in order that manufacturers may know
how much stock to buy."

J. H. Holmes: "We can't get a quotation for
future delivery on barrel stock. The hoop market is
exceedingly high and no quotations wll be given."

Mr. Holmes of Carver: "There are great delays
in delivery and all quotations are subject to immediate
acceptance. I don't know where our stock is coming
from."

Walter E. R. Nye thought the growers ought to
advance a little money to help the barrel makers out.

John J. Beaton said that the price for boxes would
be about 50 cents each — perhaps a little more.

President Hennessy: "Place your orders, gentle-
men." He thought 60 to 65 per cent of the crop
would be shipped ill barrels and the rest in boxes.

The president announced that the committee ap-
pointed to act in an advisory capacity with Director
Franklin of the State Bog would be C. R. Rogers, J. C.
Makepeace, I. C. Hammond, F, F. Marsh, Z. H. Jen-
kins, L. C. Hall.

J. M. Bump reported for the committee on gypsy
moth activities. He said there were greater problems
than ever before faced in this connection and the
danger is one that can no longer be sneezed at. The
state can do what it sees fit to do in helping cran-
berry growers fight the pest. He said he would like
instructions from the meeting in regard to getting the
state to furnish arsenate of lead for growers.

It was voted that the association ask the state to
furnish lead necessary to spray bogs for protection
from gypsy moths.

Voted that it be obtained in powder form if pos-
sible.

President Hennessy reported that the committee
on power pickers had expended $733 and had decided
to turn the matter over to the sales company which
had appropriated $3,000 for the purpose of encourag-
ing inventors.

Philip Cole read an interesting paper on the sub-
ject of barrel manufacture from the maker's point of
view.

H. J. Franklin spoke of the matter of forecasting
weather conditions for frosts and asked for assistance
in getting the results to the growers. It was voted that
a committee of two be appointed to act with him in
the matter. The chair appointed Lawrence Rogers
and Elnathan A. Eldredge.

The question of establishing a price for picking
raised a laugh, it being the concensus of opinion that
the price asked would have to be paid. J. B. Hadaway
of the United Shoe Machinery company said that he
thought the peak of high prices had been reached.
Another speaker said that the cotton mill operatives
of New Bedford were on the verge of a strike and man-
ufacturers believed it would last until late fall, there-
fore labor would be available from that source.

Dr. Franklin spoke on insect problems. He said
that the gypsy moths and spans were the two greatest
pests now. In regard to the former there is no reason
whv any bogs should be destroyed — it being merely a
matter of attention. Gypsy moths can be controlled

by the growers. He plans to hold meetings about the
20th of May in different sections of the cranberry dis-
trict and to have field meetings with the growers to
teach them how to find out how badly their bogs were
infested. He advocated the use of the insect net as a
sure means of finding out. No grower should be with-
out one. When reflowing can be resorted to the moths
can be destroyed and holding winter flowage late is
a means of helping out and will reduce the cost of
spraying. He will give notice of the dates of the meet-
ings in the Courier and will have nets on sale at $1.50
each.

The span worm can also be discovered by the use
of the net and at certain times the bogs should be ex-
amined daily as the worms do their work very rapidly.
If millers are seen flying in large numbers over any
bog he wants it drawn to his attention and he will
make examination and give advice.

President Hennessy said the field demonstrations
should be well attended by growers and should be
very instructive. He said the association had bought
an automobile for Dr. Franklin to enable him to visit
the various bogs when called upon to do so.

V. L. Saunders, field agent of the U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture, said he was trying to get the good
will of the growers by giving them service. The crop
estimating committee appointed last year will work in
conjunction with him this year. Mr. Saunders told the
members what he wanted them to do in order to get
an accurate estimate of the crop. He inquired about
making a census of cranberry bog acreage and the
plan met with the approval of the association. He said
that 28 towns have a large proportion of the bog area
and that there were 30 towns where the acreage is
small. A committee in each town is needed to work
with him.

The meeting adjourned at about 1.30 and dinner
was served at the Kendrick House. It was an excellent
dinner and canned cranberry sauce prepared by M.
L. Urann was served and very favorably commented
upon. The meeting was one of the most helpful ever
held.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Z. H. JENKINS, Treasurer
In Account With
CAPE COD CRANBERRY GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

Debit

1918

Aug. 21.

Cash Balance,

Wareham

Nat]

ional

Bank,

$242.99

Cash Balance,

Wareham

Savings

Bank,

474.46

Sept. 13.

Annual Dues,
Lunch Tickets,

147.00
96.25

1919

Jan. 14.

Annual Dues,

14.00

Aug. 18.

Annual Dues,

16.00

" 26.

Annual Dues,

44.00

Dividend to date.

Wareham

Sav-

ings Bank,

21.58

$1056.28
Credit
1918
Aug. 20. Lunches, 129, Wareham Special

Aid Society, $96.25

Postage, A. D. Benson, 1.69

1919

Jan. 13. Rent of Hall, M. E. Riley, 2.50

Lunches, Kendrick House, 5.25

Feb. 21. Letter Heads, L. C. Hall, 3.00

Apr. 24. Printing Annual Reports, L. C. Hall, 41.00

May 9. One $100 Bond, Victory Liberty

Loan, 100.00

July 23. Expenses to Worcester, H. J.

Franklin, 8.70

" 30. Expense, A. D. Makepeace Co., 1.95

Aug. 16. Printing and Envelopes, L. C. Hall, 15.50
" 25. Expense Postage and Telephone,

Z. H. Jenkins, 7.30

" 26. Cash Balance, Wareham National

Bank, 277.10

Cash Balance, Wareham Savings

Bank, 496.04

$1056.28
10

STATE BOG REPORT

By H. J. Franklin

Mr. President and Prlembers of the Cape Cod Cran-
berry Growers' Association :

You have noticed that the state bog crop is very
light this year and doubtless w^onder why.

We started the season with fair prospects, the
vines having a good supply of blossom buds. Partly
to check the fireworm and partly as a test treatment
of the "rose-bloom" disease (Exobasidium oxycocci),
we flooded the bog the night of June 16 and held the
water about 48 hours. A day or two after the water
was let off we found it had killed most of the buds. This
puzzled us at first as we had in previous years flowed
the bog with the vines in the same stage of growth
without material harm. Very hot weather had accom-
panied some of our former June floodings, the water
temperature sometimes reaching 86 degrees F. As our
first day of flooding this season (June 17) was cloudy
and the second (the 18th) was not very warm, the
injury hardly could have been due to unfavorable tem-
perature alone.

We rt once proceeded to try, in every way that
occurred to us, to find the cause of our flooding dis-
aster. We made examinations of and inquiries about
the effects of this June's floodings on many other bogs
and found that apparently no considerable injury had
resulted anywhere except on bogs that had been under
water during June 17. That day's flooding had done
much harm in all the five other cases found.

It seemed from this there was something peculiar-
ly harmful about the weather of the 17th. As that day
had been very darkly cloudy, comparative experi-
ments in immersing vines in water under shade and in
sunshine suggested themselves. Quite a series of such
tests were made, pieces of cranberry turf with the
vines attached being submerged, in some cases in tubs
and in other cases in a pond. These tests were carried
on in the latter part of June and July, the first vines
being budded and partly in blossom and the last lots

with the bloom gone and bearing small berries. The
periods of immersion ranged from 2 to 4 days. The
degree of shade over the shaded lots varied in the
different experiments, but in no case did the light seem
to be reduced as much as it is on a real cloudy day.

In all these tests, the tender parts of the shaded
vines were much hurt by the submersion, while the
vines immersed without shading were injured little.
In those tests in which the shade provided was heavi-
est, the contrast between the shaded and unshaded
vines in the effect of the submerging was striking.

The uniform result of these numerous experi-
ments seems ample proof that the continued reduction
of light by cloudiness is somehow harmful to cranberry
vines under water during the time of their rapid sum-
mer growth. This being so, it follows that dark colored
swamp water is more likely to do harm than is clear
pond water, for it reduces the light reaching the plants
more than the clear water. Also deep flooding must
be worse than shallow, for the deeper the water the
more light it cuts off.

These conclusions accord entirely with the gen-
eral effects of cranberry bog flowage I have observed.
Bogs flooded with dark water are more regularly hurt
in flowage than other bogs and whenever a bog is hurt
either by late holding of the winter water or by re-
flooding, the parts deepest submerged suffer most.

Dr. H. F. Bergman, of the Bureau of Plant Indus-
try of the United States Department of Agriculture,
determined from time to time the oxygen and carbon
dioxide content of the water used in our immersion
experiments in tubs. In his report he presents what is
probably the true explanation of the harmful effect
of shading, by cloudiness or otherwise, in cranberry
bog flooding. Evidently when such injury occurs, it is
due to an actual drowning of the more rapidly grow-
ing parts of the plant, the oxygen content of the water
covering the plants being reduced below the respira-
tory needs of these parts too long.

As Dr. Bergman shows, photosynthesis tends to
keep up the oxygen content of a cranberry bog flow-
age. One has only to see the many bubbles of oxygen
that form on the leaves of the flooded vines in clear
wenther to appreciate this. As photosynthesis depends
on light, cloudiness greatly reduces it or stops it en-
tirely. On the other hand, respiration, the process

that uses up oxygen, goes on without regard to light.
For this reason, cloudy weather is much more danger-
ous than clear for flooding the bogs in their season of
active growth.

The days of our June floodings are about the long-
est in the year. In clear weather, they allow photosyn-
thesis to go on about fifteen hours of the twenty-four,
the oxygen in the water thus being replenished three-
fifths of the time.

Judging by what is known about the effect of
temperature with other species, a rise of 18 degrees F.
increases the rate of respiration in the new growth of
the cranberry fully 100 per cent. It seems from this
that a combination of very cloudy weather with a high
water temperature is especially dangerous in the flood-
ing of the vines while they are actively growing, for,
while the stopping of photosynthesis allows the oxygen
content of the water to become greatly reduced, the
high temperature greatly increases the need of the
plants for oxygen. This was the weather combination
of June 17. As already stated, the day was darkly
cloudy. It was also warm for a cloudy day, the tem-
perature at the state bog reaching 77 degrees F. Also,
as the 14th, 15th and 16th had been warm days and
with warm nights, the water must have become quite
warm before it was put on the bog.

WATER INJURIES TO CRANBERRY BUDS

When, in flooding, cranberry blossom buds are
hurt by drowning (lack of oxygen), they usually are
either entirely killed, the whole bud turning brown
and never opening, or they are injured only on one
side, in which case the point of the bud soon bends
toward the hurt side and one or two lobes of the corolla
very often turn entirely brown. When but one side of
the bud is hurt, it usually opens to form an imperfect
blossom, but only very rarely develops a berry. When
this drowning injury occurs, the buds are hurt most in
the deepest water and on the sides of the ditches.

Another kind of bud injury, connected with the
flooding of a chain of three bogs located near together,
was observed this season. The variety of berries on
all these bogs is the Early Black and the water for
flooding them all comes from the same source. All
three bogs were flooded before sunrise June 12. The

water was let off the two lower ones during the night
of June 13 - 14, the flooding having lasted about 42
hours, both days having been clear. The night of June
13 - 14 was cold, the lowland temperature at nearby
bogs reaching a minimum of 33 degrees F, The water
on the upper bog of the series was held until the
night of June 14 - 15, the flooding period being about
72 hours.

These bogs were examined a few days after the
flooding. Most of the buds on the two lower ones
showed a peculiar injury, their tips having turned
dark red or dark brown or even black and having
opened somewhat. In this condition, they presented
a distinctive appearance, not showing any of the marks
of the usual water injury.

Many of the buds on the upper bog (where the
water was held 72 hours) showed the common water
injury, but none of them looked like those hurt on the
two other bogs.

These bogs were examined again late in August
and the two lower ones (where the June flooding was
held 42 hours) had almost no crop, the berries being
plentiful only in the lowest places and on the sides of
the ditches. On the other bog the berries were most
abundant on the higher parts.

I think the injury to the buds on the two lower
bogs probably was due to their rather sudden exposure
to the low temperature that prevailed when the water
was let off". No frost was reported as being observed
anywhere in this region that night, so it could hardly
have been caused by freezing. The fact that the buds
were hurt less in the low places, as evinced by the
greater fruit production there, shows that the water
was, in a way, a protection from the injury.

THE SPANWORM

(Epelis truncataria var. faxonii Minot) .

This species was much more harmful this season
than I ever saw it before. I found it in great numbers
on twelve bogs, but it was controlled on some of them.

The moths of all these infestations were attacked
freely by tree swallows and to a less extent by barn
swallows. I have come to regard a June flight of these
birds in noticeable numbers over a bog as almost a
sure sign that this pest is at work.

The eggs did not begin hatching on any bog this
year until June 30 and the worms worked on some
until into August.

Uncounted hundreds more than a thousand of the
small worms to fifty sweeps of an insect net were
obtained on the most infested parts of one bog two
days after hatching began there. This bog was sprayed
with arsenate of lead at once. It was examined again
sixteen days later and the worms, nearly full grown,
were obtained at the rate of 75 to 50 sweeps of the net
in the place of greatest infestation. These caterpillars
seemed to be doing no great harm, for the only notice-
able injury on the vines was the work of the multitude
of small worms that had been checked by the spraying
soon after they began. After the spraying was done,
the tips of the vines had made much new growth.
This was lighter colored than the earlier growth of
the season and showed almost no worm-eating.

It seems safe to conclude from this that an infes-
tation of this insect giving counts of less than fifty
wormsto fifty sweeps of the net will not do serious harm
when not treated. With such a light attack, it may
not pay to spray if the bloom is heavy and the crop
prospect good, because of the mechanical injury done
in spraying. If the crop promise is poor, however, it
is best to treat even a light infestation to prevent
serious trouble the following year. One experienced
with this pest can size up a coming attack fairly well
by the numbers in which the moths appear in mid-June.

The spraying should be done as soon as the eggs
start to hatch, for the worms are poisoned most easily
in their first stages, and, when they are as numercnis
as in the case I have mentioned, they will utterly de-
stroy a fine crop promise within four days after hatch-
ing begins. It is important, on this account, to examine
an infested bog with an insect net daily from June 20
until the worms are found.

The small worms seem usually to attack the flower
buds about as soon as anything, a hole commonly being
eaten straight through the ovary.

This insect works so late in the season that when
its attack is severe enough to turn the vines brown it
always destroys all chances of a crop in the following
year, even if it is completely controlled that year. You
see, therefore, that a really hard attack of this insect
is a serious matter indeed.

THE GYPSY MOTH

(Porthetria dispar L.)

This insect harmed the bogs more than any other
this year. Its work could have been prevented almost
entirely in any of the three following ways:

1. By holding the winter flowage until May 25.
This will kill any gypsy eggs that were laid on the bog
the season before and in most years it also will catch
most of the worm wind-drift.

2. By reflowing about May 28 for 36 hours. The
wind-drift is about over then and the water will kill
the worms before they have done much harm unless
they are unusually numerous. This flooding also will
destroy various other insects, such as the false army
worm (Calocmpa nupera), bud worms (various species
of cutworms) and fireworms, that may be at work.

When the gypsy caterpillars are a quarter or more
grown, a fourteen-hour flooding kills them, few getting
ashore alive to eat much afterward. They seem to
thrash themselves to death in the water, as do ap-
parently all the other foliage eating pests of the cran-
berry except those that sew the leaves together.

If the gypsy worms are very numerous, however,
it is better not to delay the flooding after May 30.

3. By spraying with 3 pounds of pow^ered, or 6
pounds of paste, arsenate of lead to 50 gallons of w^ater
about May 25. Well applied, this treatment is sure
death to the worms when they are small. When they
get over half grown they are hard to poison.

4. By preventing the w^orms from getting onto the
bogs after they become considerably grown. This can
be done best by:

(a) Removing the trees, especially the oaks, for
some distance back from the bog margin. The removal
of the underbrush (scrub oaks, etc.) also would help,
but this seems too costly.

(b) Keeping the marginal ditch cleaned out and
partly full of water and maintaining a film of kero-
sene or fuel oil on the water during the period of the
w^orm-craw^l.

THE FRUIT WORM

(Mineola vaccinii (Riley))

This insect has done less harm than in any pre-
vious year of my experience. Its reduction was to be

expected from last winter's mildness and this season's
wetness.

The egg parasitism (Trichogramma) was much
less than usual and the Phanerotoma parasite also
seems reduced.

The worms hatched late. Because of this and the
reduced parasitism, we may be surprised by the work
they do yet before the berries are picked.

THE BLACK-HEAD FIREWORM

(Rhopobota vacciniana (Pack).)

This pest also was less harmful than I ever saw it
before. The second brood seemed to be entirely sup-
pressed on some bogs. On others, it started hatching
freely, but, for some cause, perhaps disease, as a rule
faded out without doing much damage.

We may yet greatly change our spraying program
for this insect. The objections to the present treat-
ment are :

1. The Mechanical Injury done to the Vines in
Spraying. This is a great damage and is a far more
important matter than the cost of either the insecticide
or its application. Possibly we can avoid it largely in
the two following ways:

(a) By using high-pressure power-spraying out-
fits with open nozzles. This kind of outfit has been de-
veloped to a high efficiency for spraying trees from the
ground by the gypsy moth experts. It wastes materials
somewhat, but with it one could spray an ordinary
cranberry bog section completely by walking along
the middle once and spraying from side to side. The
sidewise dragging of the hose over the vines thus
would be eliminated and the tramping reduced to a
minimum.

(b) By spraying to kill the moths instead of the
worms. The new cranberry growth is easily hurt in
spraying until mid-July. From then on it hardens rap-
idly. This' hardening is usually noticeable when the
first brood of moths emerges, and when the second
appears the vines will bear tramping with relatively
little hurt. As each worm brood precedes its moths,
the worms work at times in which the injury done in
spraying is comparatively great.

2 The Cost of Insecticides. It costs over $8 an
acre per application to spray with ''Black Leaf 40" at

the strength which so far seems best to use on the
worms. A very weak mixture may kill the millers, one
part in 800 having done it thoroughly in tests.

As cloudiness or dark water, by their reduction
of the light reaching the plants and the consequent
dimunition of the process of photosynthesis, cause a
marked decrease in the oxygen content of the water
of a cranberry bog flooding to be maintained, it seems
to follow that, under such conditions of light reduction,
the 48-hour flooding period heretofore advocated for
treating this insect may be much reduced and still be
effective, for the oxygen deficiency should affect the
worms as well as the plants.

THE EFFECT OF CLOUDINESS

H. F. Bergman

One of the first things that became apparent as a
result of the study of flooding water on cranberry bogs
was the extent of variation of the oxygen and carbon
dioxide content of water from different sources and
correlation of these variations with weather condi-
tions. The most important factor in the weather con-
ditions aff"ecting the gas content of flooding water is
the amount of light as determined by the presence or
the absence of clouds. Necessarily, of course, the oxy-
gen and carbon dioxide content of exposed waters
varies considerably between day and night, but this
is affected also by the amount of sunlight during the
day. The velocity and direction of the wind and tem-
perature of the water are other weather conditions
which affect the gas content of flooding waters but
these are less important than light.

To account for the effects of cloudiness on the oxy-
gen and carbon dioxide content of water, it is necessary
to call to your attention some of the simple, fundamen-
tal principles of plant activities. In the first place it
must be understood that plants are living active organ-
isms which although incapable of movement from
place to place are nevertheless active in a physiologi-
cal or chemical sense just as truly as are animals. As
living organisms they require oxygen and will not con-
tinue their activities indefinitely unless oxygen be sup-
plied. The oxygen is used up within the plant body by
combining with stored food products in such a manner
that these complex food products are broken down into
simpler forms by which process energy is released.
This energy the plant uses in the formation of buds,
flowers, fruits, new leaves, roots, etc. This process of
energy release is known technically as respiration.
The rate of respiration increases with the temperature.
At 0 degrees C. respiration goes on very slowly. At 10
degrees C. the rate of respiration is twice as great as
at 0 degrees, and at 20 degrees it is twice as great as

at 10 degrees, and four times as great as at 0 degrees..
To carry on respiration, oxygen is required and carbon
dioxide is given off as a waste product. The more
active a part is the more energy it requires for a con-
tinuation of its activity. To supply more energy more
oxygen is necessary, hence, actively grovi^ing parts
such as flower buds, young fruits and growing tips
have a greater oxygen requirement than other parts
of the plant. Accordingly, they are the first to suffer
if the oxygen demand is not satisfied.

Contrasted with respiration, or the process of
energy release, is a second process of building up or
storing energy, known technically as photosynthesis or
carbon assimilation. In this process carbon dioxide
is taken from the air into the living cells of the plant
where by the action of light on the green parts the
carbon dioxide is combined with water to form sugars
and starch. Oxygen is thrown off as a waste product.
This process can take place only in the light while res-
piration is not dependent on light. Therefore, photo-
synthesis goes on only during the day while respira-
tion goes on both day and night. In order to under-
stand some of the later discussion it must be kept in
mind that these two contrasting functions may be
going on within the plant at the same time, but during
darkness respiration only goes on.

Ordinarily carbon dioxide given off from respi-
ration is passed off into the atmosphere. The air con-
tains naturally a small percentage of carbon dioxide
amounting to approximately three to four parts per
ten thousand parts of air. This carbon dioxide is ab-
sorbed by the plant in photosynthesis and the oxygen
thrown off as a waste product from this process is re-
turned to the atmosphere. When, however, plants are
submerged in water they must obtain their oxygen and
carbon dioxide from the water. Both carbon dioxide
and oxygen go into solution in water just as salt or
sugar go into solution. Owing to the fact that oxygen
is far less soluble in water than carbon dioxide, a given
volume of water is capable of holding only a limited
amount of oxygen. This amount depends largely upon
the temperature of the water, water being able to hold
more oxygen at temperatures near freezing than it
does at ordinary temperatures. Roughly speaking, ice
water contains nearly twice as much oxygen as pond
water at ordinary temperature during the summer.

T'rom these considerations it is to be expected that
the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of a body of
water would show considerable variation between day
and night or between a clear day and a cloudy one.
This indeed was one of the first facts that was observed
in the analysis of pond and bog waters of the Cape Cod
region. A few figures may be submitted to show the
latitude of such variations. The figures are presented
in Table I.

TABLE I.

Dil

,ch State Bog

7-3

Clear

9:00 AM

24°

5.26

0.89

7-3

((

11:00 AM

25°

3.57

2.67

7-3

3:00 PM

26.5°

2.23

5.57

7-29

9:30 AM

25°

6.47

2.19

7-29

11:00 AM

27°

6.07

3.48

7-29

2 :30 PM

29°

4.91

4.82

7-29

4:00 PM

29.5°

4.37

5.27

8-10

Cloudy

11:00 AM

20° ^

5.42

1.99

8-10

1:45 PM

20.5°

4.25

3.98

Spectacle Pond

6-29

Clear

9:00 AM

18°

0.36

5.1§

6-29

11:00 AM

19°

0.09

5.22

6-29

((

2 :00 PM

23°

0.09

5.53

7-30

Cloudy

9:00 AM

25°

0.36

5.27

7-30

11:00 AM

26°

0.18

5.27

7-30

2:30 PM

26°

0.09

5.53

7-30

4:00 AM

26°

0.09
0.50

5.36
5.27

Cedar Pond

8-1

Clear

9:30 AM

22°

0.54

4.83

(< a

8-1

3:00 PM

29°

0.41
0.45

5.67
6.04

(( (<

8-6

9:30 AM

3.14

3.60

<( <(

8-6

4:00 PM

1.26

5.47

Spectacle Pond water shows the least variation in
carbon dioxide and oxygen content between day and
night and from day to day. But little difference is ap-
parent between clear and cloudy weather. The carbon
dioxide content ranges between 0.1 and 0.4 cc per liter,
the oxygen content from 5.2 to 5.5 cc per liter. In Cedar
Pond the range is greater, the carbon dioxide content
varying from 0.5 to 3.2 cc per liter depending on weath-
er conditions and place of sampling. The oxygen con-
tent of Cedar Pond water varies from 4.8 to 6.0 cc per
liter. The greatest variation occurs in the water of
the State Bog ditch, the carbon dioxide content ranging
from 2.5 to 6.5 cc per liter. The oxygen content sim-
ilarly has a wide range, from 2.0 to 5.3 cc per liter.

Although there is some variation in temperature
on different days and hours at which these readings

were made, there is not sufficient change in temper-
ature to account for the difference in gas content, for
which other factors must be sought. These samples,
with the exception of those taken from Spectacle Pond
July 30th and from the State Bog ditch on August 5th,
were all taken in clear weather in shallow water near
shore. The bottom of Spectacle Pond is clean, white
sand and the water very clear. In Cedar Pond the
water is clear but the bottom is muck, consisting of
mostly well decomposed vegetable matter. The water
in the ditches of the State Bog is somewhat discolored,
of a very dilute coffee color as viewed by transmitted
light and the bottom is muck as in Cedar Pond. Spec-
tacle Pond, moreover, has very little vegetation which
accounts for the almost constant oxygen and carbon
dioxide content from day to day or between day and
night periods. On the other hand Cedar Pond is well
filled with water lilies and other vegetation which, as
has been explained previously, modifies the oxygen
and carbon dioxide content of the water materially
through respiratory and photo-synthetic activities. In
the State Bog ditches a more or less abundant growth
of algae is found which brings about this same result.
Accordingly both in Cedar Pond and in the ditches of
the State Bog a wide variation in carbon dioxide and
oxygen eoiitent ©f the water is observed between day
and night or between a clear and a cloudy day. Where
the vegetation is denser the variation is more pro-
nounced.

The water in Cedar Pond and in the ditches of the
State Bog show a much higher carbon dioxide content
than does the water of Spectacle Pond. This is due to
the large amount of decaying organic matter which is
constantly giving off carbon dioxide. The carbon diox-
ide content is higher in the morning for three reasons.
First, because of darkness photosynthesis does not take
place during the night and in consequence the carbon
dioxide is not withdrawn by the plants. Second, res-
piration is going on as a result of which carbon dioxide
is given off and oxygen taken up. Third, the organic
matter in the bottom is slowly taking up oxygen and
liberating carbon dioxide. This applies also in cloudy
weather. For the same reasons the oxygen content of
Cedar Pond water and of the ditch water of the State
Bog is lower in the morning than in the evening and
lower on a cloudy day than on a clear one.

Even after these facts had been ascertained, their
sig-nificance as a factor in cranberry culture was not
appreciated until the past spring. Attention was
called forcibly to the importance of weather condi-
tions as affecting the oxygen content of flooding water
through the difficulties which many of the growers
experienced this year in injury to the buds and new
shoots of cranberry plants, resulting from the flooding
of bogs during a period of cloudy weather. Although
data had already been obtained which would seeming-
ly account for injury under such circumstances, it was
thought best to make further investigations along this
line. No other factor than the lack of oxygen in the
flooding water seemed of sufficient importance to ac-
count for the trouble. At this time an excellent oppor-
tunity also presented itself to secure data which would
throw more light on this matter.

Dr. Franklin had planned some experiments with
cranberries to determine whether or not reduction of
light could cause injury to cranberry blossoms or tips.
Four pieces of cranberry sod were dug up and placed
in galvanized iron tubs. Two of these tubs were filled
with ditch water and set in the main ditch of the State
Bog so that the edge of the tub was a little above the
surface of the ditch water, thus preventing the en-
trance of any water from the outside. One of the tubs
was covered with pieces of corrugated metal roofing
to exclude light, while the other was left exposed.
Two tubs of cranberry plants were placed similarly
in Spectacle Pond. The experiment began about 6:30
P. M., June 27th. Analyses of the water for oxygen
content were made about sun down at ten to eleven
P. M., before sunrise the next morning, and at two or
three periods during the day during the course of the
experiment. Unfortunately the first experiment ter-
minated disastrously by having the metal cover dashed
off the shaded tub in Spectacle Pond by heavy wave
action.

A second experiment of exactly the same kind
carried out in the same manner was begun in the late
afternoon of June 28th. Analyses for oxygen content
were made as before. The experiment extended
through four days for the vines in Spectacle Pond,
while those in the ditch were taken out after three
days. The results are presented in Table 2 and the
graphs (figures 1, 2 and 3).

Table 2 — Showing oxygen content per liter of
water in shading experiment:

June 28 3:30 P.M. 5.39 5.46 5.99 5.20 5.65 5.46

" " 8:15 P.M. .37 1.22 5.13 2.06 2.87 5.77

" " 10:35 P.M. .38 .75 3.56

" " 11:00 P.M. 1.08 1.69 5.96

" 29 5:15 A.M. .28 .77 1.06 .695 .76 5.89

" " 9:00 A.M. .28 1.50 1.56 .58 3.96 6.03

" " 4:15 P.M. .28 3.47 6.40

" " 4.45 P.M. .58 3.87 6.03

" " 8:00 P.M. .35 1.36 5.24

" " 8:25 P.M. .65 2.67 6.03

" 30 5:00 A.M. .49 .94 4.01 .56 1.03 4.71

" " 11:25 A.M. .625 2.82 3.94 .45 4.15 6.03

" " 7:05 P.M. .43 2.33 5.33

" " 10:20 P.M. .57 1.25 6.16

July 1 11:00 A.M. .99 2.60 2.97

" " 11:30 A.M. .61 3.45 5.94

" " 2:35 P.M. .60 3.01 3.58

" " 3:40 P.M. .48 3.76 6.03

" " 8:45 P.M. .45 1.01 6.08

2 9:00 A.M. .57 2.12 5.07

" " 12:05 P.M. .57 2.93 6.18

Even in the first experiment which came to such
an abrupt ending, it was evident that a greater number
of injured blossoms and young growing tips were to be
found on the vines in the tubs which had been shaded.
This was true of the set in Spectacle Pond as well as of
the set in the ditch although it seemed in the first ex-
periment that the shaded tub in the ditch showed some-
what more injury than the shaded tub in the pond. In
the second experiment there was no doubt as to the
results. The shaded vines in the ditch had all, or prac-
tically all, of the blossoms either killed or injured and
also many of the growing tips. On the unshaded tub
in the ditch almost no injury was evident. In the set
of tubs in Spectacle Pond the same thing occurred.
The plants in the shaded tub were obviously seriously
injured while the plants in the unshaded tub escaped
with little or no apparent injury. It will be observed
on consulting the graphs (figs. 1, 2 and 3) that the oxy-
gen content of the water in the shaded tubs both in
Spectacle Pond and in the ditch dropped down very
rapidly after the experiment was begun and remained
at a very low and essentially constant level throughout
the course of the experiment. That the oxygen con-
tent did not reach a point of absolute deficiency at any
time is probably to be accounted for by the fact that

oxygen is taken up slowly from the air. The oxygen
content of the unshaded tubs, both in Spectacle Pond
and in the ditch, showed considerable variation be-
tween the day and night periods. The variation be-
tween day and night was very uniform throughout the
experiment, the oxygen content of the water in the un-
shaded tubs in Spectacle Pond running slightly higher
than in the unshaded tub in the ditch throughout. The
water in Spectacle Pond showed very little variation
from day to day or between day and night at any time
during the experiment. Only on two occasions was a
considerable change in the oxygen content of the pond
water observed. One of these was at five o'clock on
' the morning of June 30th, the other at nine o'clock on
July 2nd. The decreases in the oxygen content of the
water at these times is due to the fact that the water
samples were taken too close to the outlet ditch from
the State Bog so that the sample contained a consider-
able portion of bog water mixed with the pond water.
As the bog water is considerably lower in oxygen con-
tent the natural result of mixing bog water with the
pond water is to reduce the oxygen content of the lat-
ter. The ditch water also showed a wide variation be-
tween day and night in this experiment. This is due
to the presence of algae in the water as these plants
during the day were actively giving off oxygen and
during the night were using up oxygen in their respir-
atory processes. The lack of vegetation in Spectacle
Pond accounts for the uniformity of the oxygen content
between day and night, the slight changes occurring
in Spectacle Pond being due mostly to the difference
in temperature.

From this experiment it is evident that injury oc-
curred only on the plants in the shaded tubs. The
shaded tubs both in Spectacle Pond water and in ditch
water show a great reduction below the normal oxygen
content of either ditch water or pond water. As the
oxygen content of the water was the only factor which
underwent material change the injury must be at-
tributed to the absence of oxygen. Very little differ-
ence was noted between the degree of injury of shaded
plants in ditch water as compared with shaded plants
in pond water which indicates that nothing in the qual-
ity of the water aside from lack of oxygen caused the
injury. The plants that were submerged but not shad-
ed suffered little or no injury. Analyses of the water,

however, shows that in these tubs the oxygen content
decreased only during the night and did not remain
long at a low level.

In this connection attention may be called to the
rate of respiration of flowers and young and old shoots
of the cranberry plants. The activity of the plants is
measured here by determining the rate of carbon diox-
ide production per unit weight or unit volume of ma-
terial. This is sim.pler than trying to determine the
rate of oxygen consumption. However, since oxygen
is consumed at essentially the same rate at which car-
bon dioxide is produced, it makes no essential diiference
whether the respiratory activity be determined by the
rate of carbon dioxide production or by oxygen con-
sumption. It was stated previously that the more ac-
tive parts of the plant such as growing tips, flowers and
young fruits, respire more actively than older portions
of the plant and accordingly have a greater oxygen
requirement. This is indicated in the experimental
determinations bj'^ the greater rate of carbon dioxide
production of flowers and growing tips as compared
with old shoots. The results of two experiments may
be cited in proof of these statements.

The experiments were made with Early Blacks.
A weighed amound of flowers, growing tips and old
shoots was placed in closed receptacles. Determina-
tions of carbon dioxide were made at definite intervals
after the experiment was started. The results are
shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3

July 7

<( (i

ii H

July 14

From the results of these experiments it is evident
that under the same temperature conditions for a unit
period of time with a unit amount of material, the flow-
ers and growing tips show a much higher rate of pro-
duction of carbon dioxide than do the old shoots. Other
experiments, the results qf which are not given here,
se«m to indicate that the flowers produce carbon diox-
ide at a slightly higher rate than the growing tips. In
these experiments the flowers and growing tips pro-
duced carbon dioxide nearly three times as fast as the

Flowers

2 14

22° C

38 6

Growing Tips

2 1/3

22° C

37.4

Old Shoots

21/4

22° C

14.3

Flowers

25.5°-27.5° C

42.0

Growing Tips

25.5°-27.5° C

45.8

Old Shoots

25.5°-27.5° C

16.9

old shoots. Since the rate of carbon dioxide production
indicates the rate of respiratory or chemical activity
within the plant, this indicates that th-e flowers and
growing tips are the active parts of the plant. More-
over since the oxygen requirement is exactly propor-
tional to the rate of production of carbon dioxide, it
shows that these parts require a great deal more oxy-
gen than do the other parts. This accounts for the in-
jury to flowers and growing tips resulting from pro-
longed submergence in water deficient in oxygen.

From the various figures submitted it is evident
that injury is most apt to occur to a bog by flooding it
during a period of cloudy weather. Naturally the in-
jury is apt to be greater the longer the period of time
during which the water is held on the vines and espe-
cially if cloudiness prevails throughout the period. A
great deal depends also upon the character of the
water as it is first placed on the bog. Clear pond water
or river water has a higher initial oxygen content so
that the oxygen is not depleted as rapidly as from a
water supply initially deficient in oxygen. Where
water from a cedar swamp or other reservoir, having a
great deal of organic matter on the bottom, is used,
the initial oxygen content may be very low. This, as
indicated elsewhere, is due to the fact that organic
matter on the bottom absorbs oxygen and at the same
time gives off carbon dioxide. In cloudy weather the
initial oxygen content of water from a cedar swamp
reservoir would be considerably lower than in clear
weather. All the other factors remaining the same,
greater injury might result during a period of warm
weather than during a period of cool. The reason for
this is that the rate of respiration increases with a rise
of temperature as already indicated. Hence, more
oxygen is required. On the other hand, the ability of
the water to absorb and retain oxygen decreases with
an increase of temperature. This of itself is usually of
no great importance, but at a time when the oxygen
demand is greatly increased the result is apt to be dis-
astrous.

o m

C
3

(1> fH

T3
C to

<^ P

n .5

he -iS t:

c ^-

^ ^

±^

~~7i

<n c^ '-*

c .s

CS —

ctf

r-i

rfl

■ ^

-C

>»

rAl

r/;

• ^

+->

—

r^,

— •

cx)

o ;n-

33rcl Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR

1920-1921

TOGETHER WITH REPORT
OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN

IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI-
MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREHAM

ANNUAL FALL MEETING
August 24, 1920

Splendid weather brought out a record attendance of
over 200 cranberry growers at the 33rd annual meeting
of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association at the
State Bog at East Wareham on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

The meeting was an exceedingly profitable one and
of great interest to all who attended. The cranberry
business was thoroughly discussed in all its phases, an
estimate of the crop was made and a picking price
established.

The meeting was called to order by President James
T. Hennessy and the reports of the preceding meetings
approved as printed.

The following officers were unanimously elected:

President — James T. Hennessy.

1st Vice-President — George R. Briggs.

2d Vice-President — Marcus L. Urann,

Treasurer — Z. H. Jenkins.

Secretary — L. C. Hall.

President Hennessy urged greater activity on the
part of the growers, beseeching them to work together
in their problems for the good of all concerned. He
advocated a wider scope for the activities of the associa-
tion and suggested the formation of a subsidiary organi-
zation for the co-operative purchases of supplies.

The following directors were unanimously elected:
John C. Makepeace, James T. Hennessy, Irving C. Ham-
mond, George B. Allen, George R. Briggs, Dr. C. R.
Rogers, Z. H. Jenkins, Samuel B. Gibbs, Colbun C.
Wood, Marcus L. Urann, Elnathan E. Eldredge.

J. M. Bump reported for the gypsy moth committee
saying that the work had been done quite thoroughly, the
selectmen of all the cranberry growing towns had been
visited, and the co-operation of the local moth superin-
tendent secured. Two meetings were held with the moth
superintendents. Moths have not increased their dam-
age this year, but the nests are plentiful and there will
be plenty of the pests next year. He urged that a part of
the state appropriation be used in the purchase of arse-
nate of lead for those who would use it.

Speaking for the transportation committee, C. M.
Chaney said that 15,000 pounds would constitute a mini-
mum car load this year. Last year it was 12,000 pounds.

A. U. Chaney spoke on the sugar situation, which
he said was very hopeful. Last year at the close of the
season an unexpected shortage appeared, due to strikes
among the Cubans and the freight handlers, which as-
sumed serious proportions. He upheld President Wilson
in not authorizing the purchase of the Cuban sugar crop,
and said that while sugar would have been cheaper had
the purchase been made, there would have been less of
it to be had. Fortunately, over 90% of the cranberry
crop had been sold before the sugar situation became
acute. He said that the sugar crop this year is unprece-
dented in size and that there will be plenty of sugar at a
reasonable price later in the season and that if there is
any shortage it will be in September, before the new
crop gets on the market. Raw sugar in May brought
23%c a pound; now it is IOI/2C a pound.

Sidney B. Haskell, the new director of the Amherst
Agricultural Station, was introduced, and offered the
services of his department for the solving of the problems
of the growers. He said that he didn't know much about
cranberries, but he considered the Experimental bog at
East Wareham the best investment the state had ever
made, as it paid all its expenses except the salary of the
local director.

A. W. Gilbert, Commissioner of Agriculture of Mas-

sachusetts, said that he had great hopes that the Cran-
berry Association will prove of great benefit to the grow-
ers and that through sticking together and co-operation
the members would help to solve the agricultural prob-
lems of the state, which are not in as good shape as they
ought to be.

George A. Smith, superintendent of the State Gypsy
Moth work, was present and spoke, offering the services
of his department to help the growers rid themselves of
the pest.

Professor C. W. Morse of the Amherst Agricultural
Experiment station told of experiments in testing the
keeping qualities of cranberries in cold storage.

Prof. William P. Biooks, former director of the
Amherst Experiment Station, spoke of the many plant
problems yet to be solved.

F. E. McGrath, assistant general freight agent of the
N. Y., N. H. & H. Railroad, said that the owners had the
right to route cranberries as they saw fit and that, if de-
sired, through cranberry trains will be run, as was the'
case last year.

V. A. Saunders, U. S. Bureau of Crop Statistics,
gave his estimate on the coming crop. According to
figures gathered by him, the crop of 1920 will be approxi-
mately 300,000 barrels, which is a decrease of about 18%
from the crop of last year. A report was received from
New Jersey stating that the crop would be about 140,000
barrels, as against 156,000 barrels last year. He also
reported progress in taking the cranberry census which is
to determine the number of acres under cultivation and
their condition.

Adjournment was taken for dinner, which was
served in the basement of the screen house by R. T.
Packard, caterer, of Wareham.

A picking demonstration was given on the bog after
lunch by J. B. Hadaway, showing a long-handled scoop
which it was claimed would do the work of four hand
scoopers. The tryout was very successful and Mr. Hada-

way stated that the scoop exhibited was used last year in
picking over 500 barrels. A lot of interest was shown
in the scoop, which appeared to work very well.

After this exhibition, the meeting was called to-
gether again and the treasurer gave his report, which
was accepted as read.

Then Professor Franklin gave his annual talk upon
the things discovered at the experimental bog during the
year, a full report of which will probably be printed
later.

The price to be paid for picking was discussed and it
was voted as the sense of the meeting that the price for
scooping should not exceed 75c per hour. An attempt to
fix the price to be paid per box failed.

The selling price of cranberries was also discussed
and the general opinion was that early blacks should not
bring less than $10 a barrel. President Hennessy said
that he thought it was within the province of the associa-
tion to fix the price for which their product should be
sold, and he hoped that the members would think the
matter over and next year come prepared to take some
action upon the matter.

The meeting was a very successful one from all
points of view. The gathering was a representative one
of the cranberry growers and there were a number of
ladies present.

The meeting adjourned at about four o'clock.

THE SPRING MEETING
April 29, 1921

The spring meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry-
Growers' Association was held in Firemen's Hall, Ware-
ham, on Friday, April 29. About 50 members were
present and the meeting was very interesting and
profitable.

President Hennessy stated that several of the offi-
cers of the association had attended meetings of other
agricultural organizations and that it had been found
to be very profitable to keep in touch with them.

V. A. Saunders, speaking on the question of whether
it would be profitable for this association to co-operate
with other associations through a committee, said it
would be a very good thing, and told about a crop report-
ing meeting to be held in Boston in May, at which this
association should be represented.

President Hennessy said that a broad view should
be taken of the relations with other associations of a like
nature.

Dr. H. J. Franklin thought that the great trouble
with Massachusetts agriculture is that the various in-
terests fail to work together. It was voted that the
president appoint a committee of five members to attend
such meetings.

Frost Warnings — President Hennessy stated that
circulars had been sent to 125 growers asking for con-
tributions toward the expense of sending out frost warn-
ings estimated to be $250, and that 34 growers had re-
sponded with pledges amounting to $107. Mr. Holliday
of Duxbury suggested that a circular be sent to all bog

owners, asking them to join the association, in order that
they might receive such important information. It was
voted to send out such a circular.

Authority was given the officers to arrange for the
continuation of the frost warnings and to secure funds
covering the expense.

Dusting Machine — Dr. H. J. Franklin said that the
method of dusting is being taken up for applying insecti-
cides by other fruit growers. He had made arrange
ments with the manufacturers of such a machine and
has a machine at the State Bog. It is a two-wheeled
affair to be drawn by a horse, to distribute the dust on
the cranberry vines, including a mixing machine for the
chemicals. Mr. Sawyer, representing the manufactur-
ers, distributed criculars showing : he machines, and after
adjournment a number of growers went to the State Bog,
where a demonstration was given.

It was voted that the matter of making an appropria-
tion for buying such a machine for the State Bog be de-
ferred until the August meeting.

Cranberry Varieties — Dr. H. J. Franklin wanted
the opinion of growers as to the desirability of carrying
on experiments for the development of new varieties.
There was no discussion on this matter and no action
was taken.

Mr. Holliday wanted arrangements made to supply
insecticides at cost to members of the association. I. C.
Hammond suggested that each grower be asked to pledge
for the amount of nicotine (or Black Leaf 40) they would
use this season, with a view of having the association
arrange for its purchase at a lower cost. It developed
that the manufacturers sell on consignment wholly, in
which case it would not be possible to secure it on con-
tract. No action was taken.

J. J. Beaton read an interesting paper on cranberry
packages, which will be published in a future issue of this
paper.

Mr. Holliday said that his experience had been that
better prices could be obtained for berries shipped in
boxes, especially for the better varieties.

Dr. Franklin stated that he was making plans for
holding moth demonstration meetings this spring in Bry-
antville, Middleboro, Falmouth and Harwich.

V. A. Saunders spoke about crop reports and asked
for suggestions. President Hennessy said that a bog
census is very desirable to assist in making crop reports.
Mr. Saunders stated that the August estimate last year
was about 300,000 barrels, later this estimate was re-
duced to 275,000 barrels, and the final total of the crop
shipped was about 276,000 barrels. He said that the
fruit crop of the South and West had been materially
damaged by frosts and that present indications are for a
rather lean fruit year. He said the bog census would be
completed soon.

It was suggested that the association should have a
means of getting cranberry information, and that inas-
much as the Wareham Courier had devoted a large
amount of space to the industry in the past, that it be
made the official organ of the association, and it was so
voted.

L. C. Hall, publisher of the Courier, stated that it
would be his endeavor to give as much cranberry news
as possible, and askted for co-operation on the part of the
growers in sending in items about the industry that came
to their knowledge.

Mr. Holliday brought up the matter of developing
cranberries as a basis for a soda fountain syrup, and
said that he had been told by a leading manufacturer
that if a suitable cranberry juice could be obtained it
would take at least 100,000 barrels a year to supply such
a market as he could provide. L. C. Hall spoke of the
matter of using cranberries as an all-year product by
preserving methods and said that the use of them in that
way was increasing.

Dr. Franklin gave a warning that gypsy moths

might be expected earlier this year and that it will be
well to examine the bogs for them by the 15th of May
and that it might be necessary to spray for tehm as early
as May 20 and to flow by May 25.

An invitation was given to witness a demonstration
of a Ford tractor which had been hooked up to run a
pump on a bog of the Fuller-Hammond Company at
Carver.

An excellent dinner was provided at The Spruces,
of which J. J. Beaton is proprietor.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Z. H. JENKINS, Treasurer,

In Account With

CAPE COD CRANBERRY GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

Debit

1919

Aug. 26.

Cash Balance, Wareham Na-

tional Bank,

$277.10

Cash Balance, Wareham Sav-

ings Bank,

496.04

Lunch tickets sold,

152.00

Annual dues,

146.00

Sept. 23.

Annual dues.

23.00

Nov. 21.

Annual dues,

25.00

1920

•

Jan. 15.

Annual dues,

42.00

May 14.

Annual dues.

6.00

Aug. 23.

Annual dues,

89.80

Interest on Liberty Bond,

5.08

Interest Wareham Sav. Bank

11.82

91 orro (\A

«r

/j.,1-11 tj.\j-x

Liberty Bond — Face value,

100.00

Credit
1919
Aug. 26. 160 Lunches ($1.00), R. T.

Packard, $160.00

Nov. 15. J. T. Hennessy, telegrams, etc. 3.41

J. T. Hennessy, envelopes, 2.18

Nov. 20. B. B. Sisson, Ford Runabout, 647.92

Registration, Ford Runabout, 10.00

1920
Apr. 21. L. C. Hall, 1,000 letterheads, 3.75
May 13. M. E. Riley, rent of hall, 5.00

J. T. Hennessy, envelopes and

postage, 6.99

L. C. Hall, circulars and cards, 5.00
June 1. Stetson & Clark, herring hear-
ing Boston, 20.00
June 14. L. C. Hall, printing Bog Report, 7.00
Aug. 23. L. C. Hall, notices annual

meeting, 12.50

John T. Galligan, collecting

bog census, 20.00

F. B. and F. P. Goss, envel-
opes and printing, 14.00
Expense — Treasurer's office, 17.50
Cash balance, Wareham Sav-
ings Bank, 257.86
Cash Balance, Wareham Na-
tional Bank, 79.87

$1,273.04

Liberty Bond — Face value, 100.00

STATE BOG REPORT
By H. J. Franklin

You remember a committee was named at our spring
meeting to arrange for the distribution of frost warnings
sent out by the experiment station. The telephone com-
pany has agreed to give out these forecasts from its
exchanges. The service will begin as soon as the list of
growers desiring the warnings is completed. The fore-
casts will be sent out between 2 and 3 p. m. and between
8 and 9 p. m., standard time.

The method of calculating minimum bog tempera-
tures we shall use in predicting was developed by a study
of the weather records of this station. It was published
in Supplement 16 of the Monthly Weather Review. You
can get copies of this from the Superintendent of Docu-
ments of the Government Printing Office, Washington,
D. C.

We seem to have discovered this season some pecu-
liarly deceptive conditions that often accompany frosts.
Here on the Cape, it seems that the wind usually blows
from the north or northwest and increases strongly in
velocity in the early evening (from 6 to 8 p. m.), when
an anticyclone is approaching from the west with much
lower temperatures. Hence, on an apparently frosty
night, the wind action mentioned probably is peculiarly
indicative of danger.

The Gypsy Moth

(Porthetria dispar L)

We held five field meetings in early June, at bogs

in Rochester, Carver, Plymouth, Wareham and Sandwich.

Most of them were well attended. They were planned as

a special effort in the control of the gypsy moth, but

other open-feeding caterpillars often harmful to bogs,
such as span worms, the false army worm and the bud
worm, also were discussed. The special feature was the
demonstration of the use of the insect net in discovering
and examining the early stages of such infestaiions. We
plan to hold similar meetings next season for localities
not reached this year.

As stated at the meetings mentioned, if less than a
dozen worms of either the gypsy moth, the false army
worm or the bud worm, or of any two of these species or
of all three together, are taken with 50 sweeps of the net,
there is no danger of great injury, but many more than
12 of these worms to 50 sweeps indicate danger and the
need of prompt treatment.

However, gypsy infestations giving large counts do
not always prove very harmful when not treated. In this
case, they probably are reduced unusually by natural
means.

With Mr. Walter Holmes, the gypsy moth superin-
tendent for this section, we tested the open nozzle in treat-
ing this pest on the bogs. This is the nozzle now favored
in the gypsy moth work for spraying tall trees from the
ground. It proved unsatisfactory for bog work.

The Brown Span Worm
(Epelis truncatadia var faxonii Minot)

This pest was unusually prevalent this season, the
moths appearing abundantly on even more bogs than last
year. We attended to many requests for advice in check-
ing it, and it did little harm except on a few neglected
bogs, arsenate of lead (three pounds of powder to fifty
gallons of water) being very effective wherever used.

An infestation of this insect giving less than 50
worms to 50 sweeps of the net never does much harm,
but one counting 250 to 50 sweeps often takes two-thirds
of the crop.

The Green Span Worm
(Cymatophora sulphurea Pack)
This species also was unusually abundant this year.
It wiped out what promised to be a fine crop on several
acres in Duxbury.

This insect lays from 103 to 117 eggs, while Epelis
truncataria lays from 187 to 295, this probably explain-
ing the greater prevalence of the latter.

The green span-worm eggs are laid singly on the old
fallen leaves under the vines and winter under the water
(if the bog is flooded), hatching in the spring.

The Girdler
(Crambus hortuellus Hubner)
We find that Black Leaf 40, used at the rate of one
part to 400 parts of water with two pounds of soap to 50
gallons added, kills the moths of this species readily.
While this spray never can control the pest completely,
it probably will help greatly where water for early fall
reflowing is lacking.

The Black-head Fireworm
(Rhopobota vacciniana Pack.)
The season's tests have shown that while one part
of Black Leaf 40 to 800 parts of water with two pounds
of soap to 50 gallons added is reasonably effective in kill-
ing the worms, it is probably better economy all things
considered, to use the insecticide at the rate of one part
to 400 parts of water. It was found that one part to 800,
with the soap, killed the moths satisfactorily.

Spraying Practice

We have concluded that winter-flowed bogs not re-
flowed in June should be sprayed once regularly a few
days before the vines blossom with the following mix-
ture:

Black leaf 40 1 gallon

Water 400 gallons

Whale-oil soap 16 lbs.

This treatment largely takes the place of the June
1 eflow in reducing various harmful pests, especially these :

1. Black-head fire worm (Rhopobota vacciniana
Pack) .

2. Spittle insect (Clastoptera vittata Ball).

3. Girdler (Grampus hortuellus Hubner) .

4. Leaf hoppers (mainly species of Euscelis) and
spring-tails. These forms abound among the vines of
bogs that are not reflowed and collectively they must
drain their vitality considerably. Cranberry vines often
seem stimulated in growth by nicotnie sprays. Probably
this is usually due to the reduction of insect drains.

34th Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR

1921-1922

TOGETHER WITH REPORT
OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN
IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI-
MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREHAM

ANNUAL FALL MEETING
August 23, 1921

The 34th annual meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry
Glowers' Association was held at the State Experimental
Bog at East Wareham on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

There was an attendance estimated upwards of 200
members and the meeting was one of the most interest-
ing in the history of the association.

The meeting was called to order by President James
T. Hennessy, who said that the association was looking
up, that more interest is being taken by directors and
committees, and a greater measure of co-operation giv-
en than ever before. The record of the last annual and
spring meetings was approved as printed.

Twelve directors were then unanimously elected
as follows: John C. Makepeace, James T. Hennessy, Z,
H. Jenkins, Samuel B. Gibbs, Irving C. Hammond, Ber-
nard C. Shaw, L. B. R. Barker, George R. Briggs, Leslie
B. Handy, L. W. Weston, W. E. R. Nye and Wilfred
Tillson.

The following officers were unanimously elected:

President — James T. Hennessy.

1st Vice-President — George R. Briggs.

2d Vice-President — Marcus L. Urann.

Treasurer — Z. H. Jenkins.

Secretary — L. C. Hall.

The president read a letter from Mr. Munson, pres-
ident of the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Association
in regard to a visiting committee appointed by the pres-
ident. He endorsed the idea and asked for cooperation.

On the question of standardization of half-barrel
boxes C. M. Chaney said that it was needed in order to
get a proper classification for freight rates. He had

made application for proper classification with the
freight classification board and it would be given, but
an established standard would be a help.

J. B. Hadaway said that the standard barrel for
cranberries has been fixed and is well known to every-
body and that the half-barrel package should contain
just one-half its cubical contents.

It was voted that the president appoint a committee
of three to look into the matter of establishing a stan-
dard for half-barrel boxes. Irving C. Hammond, J. J.
Beaton and J. C. Makepeace were appointed on the
committee.

J. B. Hadaway brought up the question of price to be
paid for scooping. Last year 75 cents per hour was
paid. It was voted as the sense of the meeting that
not over 50 cents per hour should be paid this year.

The establishing of a price for picking by the box
brought out considerable discussion. W. E. R. Nye
moved that the price for picking by the box be estab-
lished at not over 20 cents per box. Mr. Hadaway
thought the price should be governed by the kind of
picking on each bog, and George R. Briggs thought no
action should be taken. J. M. Bump thought it would
be helpful to have some price named as a guide for grow-
ers, to help steady the industry.

It was voted as the sense of the meeting that the
price for picking by the box should not exceed 20 cents,
landed on the shore.

The question of pay for screeners was next dis-
cussed and the pay of $1.75 for an 8-hour day was sug-
gested, but no action was taken on this matter. M. L.
Urann thought it would be unwise to fix labor prices too
closely, as tending to incite the laborers to organize
against the growers.

. J. 0. Halliday, superintendent of transportation of
the N. Y., N. H. & H. railroad, was present and address-
ed the meeting, promising better service than last year.

with daily train movements to points west of the Hudson
river.

J. E. McGrath, assistant general freight agenL, v/ .s
a.' so present and supplemented Mr. Halliday's state-
ments. The railway officials came to the meeting on a
special train.

L. B. R. Barker, S, B. Gibbs and I. C. Hammond
were appointed a committee to draw up resolutions on
the death of Dr. C. R. Rogers.

A. U. Chaney, general manager of the American
Cranberry Exchange of New York, was the next speak-
er. He gave as a partial estimate of tna New Jersey
crop 255,000 barrels as against 230,000 barrels last year.
He said the Wisconsin crop is short, and -placed it ai
20,000 to 25,000 this year as against 30,000 last year.
He made no estimate of the crop of the Cape. He said
that there is a little less than an average crop of apples
and that general conditions are very uncertain, it being
estimated by the government that five million people
are out of work. He said that the buying power of the
people is what is bothering all sales managers and that
so far as a price for cranberries is concerned the growers
must do the best they could when the time came. The
distribution of a crop that is not a prime necessity is
always a difficult matter, and general conditions must be
considered. He said dealers have confidence in the fair-
ness of the growers, and warned against destroying that
confidence. He told growers not to be too ambitious
in matters of price this year.

Henry W. Griffith read an excellent paper on the
"Importance of Good Packing,"

Mr. Hunter, manager of the Cape Cod Preserving-
corporation, told of the efi'orts his concern is making to
establish cranberries as an all-year round product and
could see no reason why they should not be as popular
in May and June as they are in November and Decem-
ber.

C. W. Minot, of the Bureau of Ethomology, U. S. D.
A., gave some valuable information regarding gypsy-
moths. He said that wet bogs are infested by wind in-
festation and that 95% of the pupae on wet bogs are
carried there by the wind and are on the bogs before
the majority of the growers are aware of the fact. They
begin feeding before the terminal buds begin to swell
and that is when the damage is done. The most eco-
nomical method of control is by flooding. The larvae
that pass the winter on the bogs kept under water are
destroyed.

Mr. Minot said : "Gypsy moths are carried onto the
bogs by the wind at about the time when the oak leaf
is the size of a squirrel's ear. Dry bogs must be con-
trolled by spraying, which is a difficult operation and
results can only be obtained by expert nozzlemen of
whom there are very few. In regard to the infestation
of wet bogs, he said that 95% are carried to the bogs in
three or four days when the temperature and wind is
just right.

Prof. W. P. Brooks, former director of the Amherst
Agricultural station, spoke briefly.

In relation to frost warnings it was voted that all
members receiving them be assessed $2.50 for the ser-
vice.

It was voted that the president appoint two auditors

Sidney B. Haskell, director of the Amherst Experi-
ment Station, addressed the meeting, and highly com-
plimented the work done by Dr. Franklin.

Charles H. Preston, chairman of Trustee Commit-
tee, Amherst Agricultural College, stated that approval
had been given to the plan of purchasing more land in
connection with the experiment station, to be used in
connection with the development of new varieties.

V. A. Saunders, field agent U. S. D. A., bureau of
statistics, reported on crop estimate:

From reports received from 162 growers a crop

this year of 223,000 barrels was indicated; from other
sources and his own observation he estimated the prob-
able crop of the Cape region this year at 205,000 barrels.
This estimate, he stated, is likely to be reduced by con-
tinued activities of fruit worms.

He reported estimates from Wisconsin at 22,700
barrels and from New Jersey at 175,000, making total
estimated crop of country 402,000 barrels.

Dr. H. J. Franklin, director of the station, spoke
briefly upon his work, a report of which will be pub-
lished later.

It was voted to hold a spring meeting next year.

THE SPRING MEETING

April 29, 1922

The spring meeting ot the Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association was held at Firemen's Hah in
Wareham on Saturday, Aprii 29. It was well attended,
about 75 members being present.

James T. Hennessy, president, presided.

The first matter taken up was tnat of pumping plant
efficiency. Prof. C. I. Gunness, head of the rural engi-
neering department of the State Agricultural depart-
ment, was present, and spoke of investigations that
could be made to determine the best kind of pumping
machinery to meet the requirements of the cranberry
growers. After a discussion as to the needs of such an
investigation, it was voted to request the department to
proceed with such experiments and pledging the co-
operation of the Association.

Dr. Sidney B. Haskell, director of the Agricultural
Experiment station at Amherst, was present and spoke
upon matters involving the activities of his department.

Mr. Smith, state soil survey expert, told how soii
surveys are made, and exhibited a soil map of Plymouth
county. It was brought out that what the growers
want is a soil analysis that will show the things needful
to get production on different bogs, and it was voted to
appoint a committee of three to attempt to secure from
the government an expert to make soil analysis. The
committee will be appointed by the president later.

In regard to the cranberry school. Dr. Franklin ex-
plained that the afternoon session had been given up,
as the various insects had developed so rapidly that it
was too late to show them in their winter stage. Ka
said that it is planned to have frequent field meetings

throughout the year when conditions warranted it. He
stated that the time for spraying and tiooaing for gypsy
moths variea on ditieient bogs and that he planned to
send out aennite reports regarding their development.

Dr. Ifranklin said tnat the blackhead fire worm
promised to be unusually numerous this year, and warn-
ed growers to be especially watchful and prepared to
taKe prompt measures at tne proper time. If the first
brood is well taken care of there will be no later danger
from a secona orood.

The resolutions committee presented resolutions
upon the death of Dr. C. ix. Rogers, which were ordered
spread upon the records and a copy sent to his widow.

The committee on standardization of the half -barrel
box reported progress and was given further time.

A letter from V. L. Saunders was read concerning
the cranberry census work of the U. S. government, and
Mr. Fessenden of tne department was present and said
that the work would be completed at an early date. It
was voted that -the association desires the work pros-
ecuted as rapidly as possible.

President Hennessy told what had been done by the
association in obtaining an assistant to Dr. Franklin.
_A small group of growers had agreed to underwrite the
expense to the extent of $2,400, and it was proposed to
assess the members 2 cents a barrel, the sum to be taken
from gross receipts in the hands of the sales agents, or
to be paid by individuals, as might be desired.

In regard to frost reports, it was voted that the
treasurer send out notices asking those who desire to
receive frost reports by telephone to contribute from
$2.50 to $10 apiece, according to their proportional acre-
age. Several members expressed the opinion that the
reports were very valuable and that they would be will-
ing to pay a much larger sum if necessary.

Mr. Fessenden spoke of the possibilities of radio
distribution of crop and frost reports.

At noon the company adjourned to the Kendv^ck
House, where an excellent dinner was served, after
which a demonstration of spraying outfits was given.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Z. H. JENKINS, Treasurer,

In Account With

CAPE COD CRANBERRY GROWERS' ASSOCIATION

Debit

1920

Aug. 24.

Cash Balance, Wareham Na-

tional Bank,

$ 79.87

Cash Balance, Wareham Sav-

ings Bank,

257.86

Lunch tickets sold, J. J.

Beaton,

171.25

Annual dues and new mem-

bers

197.00

Sept. 18.

Annual dues.

53.00

Oct. 2.

Annual dues.

9.00

Dec. 27.

Annual dues

35.00

1921

Jan. 14.

Annual dues,

7.00

Feb. 25.

Annual dues.

2.00

Apr. 25.

Annual dues.

6.00

Contributions for frost warn-

ings.

138.00

Interest on Liberty Bond,

4.75

Aug. 22.

Contribution, H. J. Thayer,

3.00

Aug. 23.

Annual dues.

155.00

Aug. 23.

Annual dues.

100.00

Interest Wareham Sav. Bank 13.03

May 12.

Annual dues,

2.00

Credit
1920
Aug. 24. 149 lunch tickets ($1.25), R.

T. Packard, $186.25

$1233.76

2 lunch tickets, guests, R.
T. Packard, 2.50

Oct. 21. N. E. Te . & Tel. Co., frost warn-
ings, 13.50

Nov. 15. N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co., frost warn-
ings, 40.25

Dec. 27. Kendrick House, entertain-
ment, 4.44
1921

Jan. 8. Preston S. Lincoln, legal pa-
pers, (Ford), 5.00

Jan. 29. L. C. Hall, printing, 2.75

Jan. 29. James T. Hennessy, postage, 4.00

Feb. 11. H. J. Franklin, adv. Field meet-
ings, 11.15

Apr. 25. J. T. Hennessy, stamped envel-
opes, 4.40

Apr. 25. L. C. Hall, 400 circulars, 3.50

June 9. N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co., frost warn-
ings, 56.65

June 27. H. J. Franklin, expenses at-
tending meetings, 7.85

July 7. N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co., frost warn-
ings, 75.49

Aug. 22. L. C. Hall, 400 circulars, 3.00

L. C. Hall, reports, 2 years, 90.00
Z. H. Jenkins, office expense, 17.50
Cash balance, Wareham Sav-
ings Bank, 270.89
Cash balance, Wareham Na-
tional Bank, 434.76

$1233.76

Liberty Bond — Face value, 100.00

STATE BOG REPORT
By H. J. Franklin

The Black-head Fireworm
(Rhopobota naevana Hubner)t

My experience and the results of my experiments
lead me to advocate the following methods for control-
ling this pest: Bunch the hatching of the first brood
by holding the winter flowage until May 25. Then
spray with nicotine-sulphatej and soap three times, at
8-day intervals. If water for flooding is available, re-
flows may be substituted for the first two applications
(June 2 and June 10). In suggesting this procedure,
I am taking into full consideration the vagaries of the
weather, as well as all other known factors involved.
Do not try to allow for inclement weather by shortening
the intervals between treatments recommended. If bad
v/eather compels you to lengthen the intervals, do not
let that disturb you. Simply follow the program as
closely as possible, using as many spraying outfits as
you can get hold of so as to treat all your infested acre-
age as promptly as possible. I think that if you give
full attention to the first brood in this way, using onej
quart of the nicotine-sulphate and four pounds of soap
in 100 gallons of water, and do the spraying thoroughly,
being careful to apply not less than 200 gallons to the
acre, you will succeed in most cases in practically clear-
ing your bogs of the pest.

The second brood is usually only a partial one in
Massachusetts, and if the winter water is held as late
as May 25, its hatching is sure to be largely, if not en-
tirely, suppressed. The hatching of this brood is al-
ways well bunched under such conditions and a single
spraying with nicotine-sulphate and soap often will con-

trol it well. This treatment should be applied as soon
as the hatching becomes general, usually five or six days
after the first worms appear, for the three following
reasons :

1. The worms are killed most easily when they are
small.

2. If treatment is delayed long, the worms may
injure the tips of the vines so much that they will not
"bud up" well for the following year.

3. If the worms are allowed to work until they en-
ter the berries, they cannot be reached with a spray
very well.

Don't fool with moderate infestations. They must
be treated as though they were severe. Remember
that they usually become severe soon. Even slight in-
festations must be given due attention, especially on
large bogs of compact form. They must be treated,
either with water or by spraying, at least once during
the season.

fBul. No. 1032, U. S. Dept. Agr., 1922, p. 45. This
insect has been known heretofore as Rhopobota vaccin-
iana. (Pack.)

t Black Leaf 40.

Dusting

This season I have tried dusting bogs with lead
arsenate, with slaked lime as a carrier, using a horse-
drawn dusting machine. In all cases, the dust was ap-
plied with a heavy dew on the vines and was used tcJ
kill small gypsy moth worms. The treatment seemed
as effective as the spraying done nearby for comparison
and the mechanical injury to the vines done in dusting
probably was no greater than that done in spraying.

The Southern California Walnut Growers' Associa-
tion are now putting out a nicotine-sulphate dust made
by drying Black Leaf 40 with kaohn clay. I have ob-
tained some of this material in different strengths and
plan to give it a thorough trial next year.

Frost Warnings

I desire an expression of opinion from this meeting
as to whether the station warnings so far have been of
value and whether yoh want them continned.

As no weather map is available on Sundays and ho!i
days, I have to depend entirely on local observations in
forecasting. You therefore may expect to find my
predictions on such days less reliable than at other times

Afternoon thunder storms and cloudiness in the
evening or during the night are very uncertain and dis-
turbing factors, and you must rely on your own judg-
ment more than usual when they occur.

tosachusetlsAgnctoiai

m^^m.^^m^^^E^^^m^^^^Bm

35 th Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR . I

1922-1923

I TOGETHER WITH REPORT |

OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN

1 IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI- p

S MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREH AM ^

^iwimmmwmmwmwi'^immm^^mmwiw^^^

ANNUAL FALL MEETING
AUGUST 22, 1922

The meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers
Association held on Tuesday at the State Bog at East
Wareham was one of the largest and most enthusiastic
that has been held since the organization started 35 years
ago. Over two hundred were in attendance and all seemed
vitally interested in the proceedings. Several growers
from New Jersey were present.

The meeting was called to order at 10 o'clock by
President J. T. Hennessy and the records of the previous
meetings approved.

The following officers for the ensuing year were
elected: President, J. T. Hennessy; 1st vice-president,
George R. Briggs ; 2nd vice-president, Marcus L. Urann ;
treasurer. Z. H. Jenkins; secretary, L. C. Hall.

Directors — John C. Makepeace, James T. Hennessy,
Z. H. Jenkins, Samuel B. Gibbs, Irving C. Hammond, Ber-
nard C. Shaw, L. B. Barker, George R. Briggs, Leslie B.
Handy, L. W. Weston, W. E. R. Nye, Wilfred Tillson, and
Dr. H. J. Franklin, ex-officio.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Sydney B. Haskell reported for the committee on
pumping plant efficiency, stating that active progress has
been made in determining the efficiency of the various
types of pumps at varying lifts. A number of pumps are
being tested out at Amherst. Any one wishing to see any
particular pump demonstrated can do so by communicat-
ing with the officers. It was voted that tests of pumps with
lifts from 2 to 14 feet would be sufficient.

The committee on Soil Survey reported that a survey
of Plymouth county has already been made. Negotiations
have not yet been completed for a new survey and progress
has been made.

Chester W. Weston reported that he had endeavored
to get a lower insurance rate on screen houses and con-
tents. Rates will probably be made within a few weeks.

It is asked that a base rate be given and that it will have
deductions and additions according to construction. The
rate will probably be a substantial reduction, not far from
90c per $100 in place of the present rate of $2.50. Marcus
L. Urann said that heretofore there had been no base rate
applicable to cranberry growers. He moved that a com-
mittee of five be appointed by the president to work upon
the matter. The following committee was appointed :
Chester W. Weston, Marcus L. Urann, Franklin Smity, J.
B. Hadaway and Carl Urann.

The committee on standardization of the half-barrel
box reported that this is an inopportune time to recommend
any specific type of box as there are so many on the market
now.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Z. H. Jenkins, treasurer, reported on the receipts and
disbursements of the year. There is a balance of nearly
$1,000 on hand. The auditors made a report of their find-
ings.

PICKING PRICES

It was voted that 50c per hour be paid for scooping.
This is the same price as last year.

FRANKLIN'S ASSISTANT

President Hennessy called attention to the fact that
the services of Dr. Franklin were nearly lost this spring
when it was proposed to transfer him to the Pacific Coast.
The Directors got busy and prevented this and it was de-
cided that an assistant should be secured. A group of
growers agreed to underwrite the sum necessary to pay
an assistant. It is the idea that each grower should pay Ic
per box or 2c per barrel toward the salary fund, thus re-
lieving the underwriters of the burden. The Sales com-
pany agreed to be responsible for 60% of the sum, leaving
40% for the independents to pay.

Dr. Arthur W. Gilbert, commissioner of Agriculture
for Massachusetts spoke in regard to the "insurance"
provided by the experimental bog run by the state for the
benefit of the growers. He said that in providing an
assistant for Dr. Franklin an advance is being made, and
that further advancement will come. The association is

a co-operative movement that is assuming a leadership in
agricultural affairs and is a model for other industries to
follow. It is such associations as this that will put the
state on the map agriculturally.

Director Sidney B. Haskell of the State Agricultural
Experiment Station told of the work of the station at Am-
herst and the sub-station at East Wareham.

Miss Elizabeth C. White of Lisbon, N. J., spoke of
blueberry growing as an associated industry for cranberry
growers. She has been engaged in the business for a
number of years in co-operation with the agricultural de-
partment. From 16 acres, 900 bushels of berries were
harvested netting $11 a crate after taking out expenses.
Wild bushes are selected with great care and about 100
bushes cultivated four or five years From these, six
selected stocks were used as parents. Berries have been
developed of ^ inch size and the average is well over y^
inch. The land used is that adjacent to the cranberry bogs,
but great care is exercised in the drainage Young plants
are killed by too much water. Growers can secure plants
for $80 per 100, and it is a very profitable industry.

CROP ESTIMATE

Mr. Fessenden, of the U. S. Crop Statistic Bureau re-
ported that his investigations indicated a crop on the cape
of 250,000 barrels. The crop last year was 189,000. A. U.
Chaney estimated the New Jersey crop at 200,000 barrels
and the Wisconsin crop at 45,000 to 50,000 barrels

Other speakers during the afternoon were S. R. Par-
ker, County Agent leader. Prof. C. P. Brooks and Dr. H. J.
Franklin.

PICKING MACHINE

One of the interesting features of the meeting was
the demonstration of a picking machine, the invention of
Oscar Turvo of Quincy. This machine was much more
promising than any before shown. It showed great me-
chanical ingenuity and good workmanship. It is propelled
on a chassis similar to an automobile and the picking drum
consists of sets of revolving fingers that close on the berries
much as they are scooped by hand. The machine was tried
out on the bog with considerable success although its
ratio of speed was too fast for best work. This machine is
being made under the auspices of the American Cranberry
Exchange and before the season is over it is expected that

it will be more fully developed. It is expected that it will
do as much work as 25 scoopers.

An excellent dinner was served by the ladies of the
Methodist church and all present united in expressing their
approval of the meeting and the program presented.

THE SPRING MEETING

A special meeting of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers'
Association was held in Firemen's Hall, Wareham. at 10 a.
m., Friday, April 20. About 60 growers were present.

Chester Weston reported for the insurance committee.
He said that favorable rates had been secured for certain
sections, averaging $1.26 per hundred for screen houses
under average conditions. At the present time there are
four mutuals in Massachusetts, which will insure up to
$20,000 in one policy. These companies will pay a dividend
of 20%. It is up to the growers to maintain conditions
that will secure the minimum rate.

John C. Makepeace reported for the committee for-
box standardization, stating that the committee is not yet
ready to report. He recommended that when a standarc
box is agreed upon it should be maintained vigorously. The
Sealer of Weights and Measures maintains that a box
cannot be called a half-barrel and cannot be marked as
such, but the matter has not yet been fully determined.
There is not the uniformity there should be in the cubic
contents of the half-barrel box. Boxes of less capacity
have been shipped.

Marcus L. Urann said there is great confusion as yet as
to style of boxes used, but there must be a standard estab-
lished. The railroads will insist on a standard being used.
If the growers do not do it someone else will and it may be
to the disadvantage of the grower. It should be insisted
upon that the manufacturers make a definite size box. He
exhibits a box which he intends to use this year, the top
fitting over the box, and having beveled inside cleats, giving
a tight pack in the corners.

A motion was made by Mr. Urann that approval be
given to a box 14 inches wide, 20 inches long, and 10 7-16
inches high, inside measurements. If compression cleats are
used inside, allowance to be made for the cubical space
taken up.

The motion did not prevail.

The question of defraying the cost of distributing the
frost reports were considered. It was voted to ask for sub-
scriptions from the growers present and the amount of
$224 was pledged.

It was voted to instruct the treasurer to send out a cir-
cular to all using frost reports who have not contributed.

General labor questions were discussed, but no action
was taken.

The meeting was instructively addressed by Prof. C. I.
Gunness, professor of Rural Engineering, on the question
of pump efficiency, his address being illustrated with slides.

Prof. Alfred P. Dachnowski, physiologist of the U. S
Department of Agriculture, spoke on peat bottoms and
underground drainage.

V. A. Sanders of the U. S. Bureau of Statistics, gave
some interesting statistics.

After lunch at the State Bog, Dr. Franklin explained
his methods of making frost forecasts.

STATE BOG REPORT
By H. J. Franklin

Mr. President and Members of the Cape Cod Cranberry

Growers' Association :

You may recall at at our last summer meeting I men-
tioned an unusual outbreak of the green spanworm (Cyma-
tophora). This season I have been tracing hitherto un-
known parts of the life history of this species. This study
has been fortunate, for I never saw this insect so prevalent
before. It has destroyed a fine crop promise on three
different areas, one of about three acres in Carver and two
of 15 more acres each in Rochester, the injury being so
severe in one case that the vines were turned brown on an
acre or more. Several other serious, but milder or better
controlled, infestations also were found. Most of the in-
jury was like that done in Duxbury last year, the flowers
i^eing nipped off and dropped.

Growers of long experience tell me they observed sim-
ilar outbreaks of this pest twenty or more years ago.

As I told you last year, the green spanworm eggs

winter on the old fallen leaves under the vines. Tlie hatch-
ing began this spring about May 15 and continued until
about July 1. One bog under observation was flooded
twice, on May 31 and June 17, to control the pest, the
vvater being held over 30 hours each time. So many worms
hatched after the second flooding that they reduced the
crop materially and had to be checked by spraying. The
bog was examined with a net just liefore it was sprayed and
it gave a spanworm count of 200 to 50 sweeps.

I found that, as with the brown spanworm (Epelis)
an infestation giving a worm-count of less than 50 to 50
sweeps of the net will not do much harm when not treated.
With such a light attack, it may not pay to spray if the
crop prospect is good, because of the mechanical injury
(lone in spraying. In actual practice, 3 pounds of dry lead
arsenate in 50 gallons of water killed the worms nicely.
Because of the long hatching period, three sprayings are
necessary for a satisfactory control of a severe infestation
where flooding cannot be done. They should be applied
about May 25, June 7 and June 20.

You should become familiar with the moths of our
two important species of cranberry spanworm, for they
always give fair warning of coming trouble. Brown span-
worm moths are brown or gray and fly in June where the
winter water has been let oflf before May 5. Where they fly
al)undantly, their worms should be looked for in late June
and early July, the eggs hatching two weeks or more after
they are laid.

Green spanworm moths are whitish or sulphur yellow
and fly in July and early August. Their presence forecasts
the appearing of worms the following May and June, the
eggs wintering on the bog. There is only one brood of this
insect a year, my former statements about this being erron-
ous, due to a combination of circumstances and a lack of
sufficient care in following the life-history. See Entomo-
logical News, Vol. XVIII, 1907, p. 17.

The Black-head Fireworm
(Rhopobota naevana Hubner)f
My experience and the results of my experiments
lead me to advocate the following methods for controling
this pest : Bunch the hatching for the first l^rood by hold-
ing the winter flowage until May 25. Then spray with
nicotine-sulphate* and soap three times, at-8-day intervals.
If water for flooding is available, reflows may be substi-

tuted for the first two applications (June 2 and June 10).
In suggesting this procedure, 1 am taking into full consid-
eration the vagaries of the weather, as well as all other
known factors involved. Do not try to allow for inclement
weather by shortening the intervals between treatments
recommended. If bad weather compels you to lengthen
the intervals, do not let that disturb you. Simply follow the
program as closely as pt)ssible, using as many spraying
outfits as you can get hold of so as to treat all your infested
acreage as promptly as possible. I think that if you give
full attention to the first brood in this way, using one
quart of nicotine-sulphate and four pounds of soap in 100
gallons of water, and do the spraying thoroughly, being
careful to apply not less than 200 gallons to the acre, you
will succeed in most cases in practically clearing your bogs
of the pest.

The second brood is usually only a partial one in
Massachusetts, and if the winter water is held as late as
May 25, its hatching is sure to be largely, if not entirely
suppressed. The hatching of this brood is always well
bunched under such conditions and a single spraying with
nicotine-sulphate and soap often will control it well This
treatment should be applied as soon as the hatching be-
comes general, usually five or six days after the first worms
appear, for the three following reasons :

1. The worms are killed most easily when they are
small.

2. If treatment is delayed long, the worms may in-
jure the tips of the vines so much that they will not "bud
up" well for the following year.

3. If the worms are allowed to work until they enter
the berries, they cannot be reached with a spray very we

Don't fool with modest infestations. They must be
treated as though they were severe. Remember that the
usually become severe soon. Even slight infestations must
be given due attention, especially on large bogs of compact
form. They must be treated either with water or by spray-
ing, at least once during the season.

fBul. No. 1032, U. S. Dept. Agr., 1922, p. 45. This in-
sect has been known heretofore as Rhopobota vacciniana,
(Pack.)

♦Black Leaf 40.

Dusting

This season I have tried dusting bogs, with lead arsen-
ate, with slaked lime as a carrier, using a horse-drawn

dusting machine. In all cases, the dust was applied with a
heavy dew on the vines and was used to kill small gypsy
moth worms. The treatment seemed as effective as the
spraying done nearby for comparison and the mechanical
injury to the vines done in dusting probably was no great-
er than that done in spraying.

The Southern Calitoniia Walnut (irowers' Association
are now putting out a nicotine-sulphate dust made by dry-
ing Black Leaf 40 with kaolin clay. I have obtained some
of this material in different strengths and plan to give it a
thorough trial next year.

Frost Warnings

I desire an expression of opinion from this meeting as
to whether the station warnings so far have been of value
and whether you want them continued.

As no weather map is availal)le on Sundays and holi-
days, I have to depend entirely on local observations in
forecasting. You therefore may expect to find my predic-
tions on such days less reliable than at other times.

Afternoon thunder storms and cloudiness in the eve-
ning or during the night are very uncertain and disturbing
factors, and you must rely on your own judgment more
than usual when they occur

'^M.'^^

- , n

Ai/iHERST, MASS,

f^^
i^"?

^
^

7?^

36th Annual Report

OF THE

Cape Cod Cranberry
Growers' Association

FOR THE YEAR

1923-1924

TOGETHER WITH REPORT
OF DR. HENRY J. FRANKLIN
IN CHARGE OF STATE EXPERI-
MENTAL BOG AT EAST WAREHAM

m sHn str^MBm mnmrpnmmmmm'^-

ANNUAL FALL MEETING

AUGUST 21 1923

The 36th annual meeting of the
Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' asso-
citation was held at the State Experi-
mental bog at East Wareham on
Tuesday, August 21. About 300
members were present.

The meeting was presided over by
Jpmes T. Hennessy, president, until
his successor was chosen.

The following officers were unan -
imously chosen:

President— Ruel S. Gibbs.

1st Vice President — George R.
Briggs.

2d Vice President — Marcus L,
Urann.

Treasurer — Z. H. Jenkins.

Secretary — L. C. Hall.

The Board of Directors chosen
v/ere: John C. Makepeace, James T.
Hennessy, Z. H. Jenkins, Samuel B.
Gibbs, Irving C. Hammond, Bernard
C Shaw, L. B. R. Barker, George
R. Briggs, Leslie B. Handy, L. .W.
Weston, W. E. R. Nye, Wilfred Till-
sion and Dr. H. J. Franklin, ex-ofRcio.

James T. Hennessy, who had been
president of the association for the
past 11 years, declined reelection and
he was given a rising vote of thanks
by the association for his faithful
and efficient services.

J. C. Makepeace reported for the
box standardizing committee, saying
that the matter is straightening out
and that boxes are being improved.
He stated that boxes should be mark-
ed by weight or by bushels and frac-
tions to meet state requirements.

Chester Weston reported for the

■insurance committee, stating that
rates had been secured on screen
houses that are very favorable and
that cranberry growers are now in
the farm class as regards compensa-
tion insurance. He also asked for
information regarding statistics on
which a hail insurance rate might be
based.

Sidney T. Haskell, director of the
state experiment station, gave a re-
port of progress on soil survey.

V. A. Saunders, statistician for
the U. S. Department of Agriculture,
gave the result of his estimate in
regard to the size of the crop this
year. On the best information ob-
tainable he estimated the probable
crop as indicated at this date to be
320,000 barrels.

The treasurer's report showed a
balawe rn the treasury of $2,837.90.
It was voted to pay the treasurer's
assistant $25 a year.

A list of delinquent members was
presented and it was voted to refer
the matter to the president to ap-
point a committee to go over the list
and recommend action to be take»i,

J. C. Halliday, superintehdent of
transportation of the New York,
New Haven & Hartford railroad, was
present, and said that the railroad
values the business of the cranberry
growers and fs in better shape to
handle it this year than for several
years past. The railroad had added
equipment and expects this year to
give special attention to this busi-
ness.

J. E, McGrath, assistant general
freight agent, also asserted the will-
ingness and ability of the railroad
to cooperate, and asked the growers
to ship all their crop by rail instead
of by truck to Boston. He said that
the railroad was essential for the
long hauls and that in fairness it
should be given the short hauls also.

A letter was read concerning the
Eastern Fruit Exposition to be held
in New York and asking yie cran-
berry growers to have an exhibit A
committee consisting of the presi-
dent, the secretary and J. C. Make-
peace was appointed to investigate
the matter, with power to act.

Dr. A. W. Gilbert, Commissioner
of Agriculture, said that he consid-
ered this association a leader in the
new agriculture nwvement in the
state and offered a suggestion in re-
gard to the labor situation. He
stated that about 200 college men
were available for work in connection
with harvesting the crop this fall.
There was considerable discussion
on this matter and it was finally left
in the hands oi a committee consist-
ing of the president. Dr. Franklin,
Lawrence R. Rogers, I. C. Hammond,
J. C. Makepeace and James T. Hen-
nessy to see what arrangements
could be made.

A. U. Chaney, general manager of
the American Cranberry Exchange,
stated that in his opinion the crop
in Wisconsin would be 40,000 barrels,
as compared with 59,000 barrels last
year and that the New Jersey crop
would be 250,000 as compared with
205,000 last year. He expressed sur-
prise at the low estimate for the
Cape Cod crop. He said that if
there is a 600,000 barrel crop in the

country this year it need not cause
alarm because the consumption of
cranberries is increasing. He urged
the growers to ship only sound
fruit, saying that no one will buy un
sound fruit these days at any price
and that if growers had bogs that
could not produce good fruit it would
be best for themselves and the indus-
try if they were replanted with oth-
er varieties. He said that the time
is not far distant when all cranber-
ries will be shipped in boxes.

C. M. Chaney spoke briefly on the
matter of transportation and assured
the growers that they might not ex-
pect any difficulties this year.

Dr. Neil E. Stevens of the U. S.
Department of Agriculture said that
in his opinion the keeping qualities
would be better this year than last,
basing this opinion on spring wea-
ther conditions.

H. B. Scannell of New Jersey read
an interesting paper. S. R. Pai'ker,
County Agent leader, told of the
cranberry extension school,

H. J. Franklin gave a report of
some of his insect work, especially in
connection with the spotted cut worm
which has been doing much damage
this season.

After considerable discussion it
was voted to pay 75c per hour for
picking with scoops, or 20 cents a
box.

Ladies of the Wareham Methcdiot
church served an excellent lunch,
consisting of chicken pie and cran-
berry sauce, mashed potatoes, to-
matoes, coffee, ice cream and apple
pie, and fruit.

The scene about the station was
an exceedingly lively one during the
day. There was a large numb:r of

automobiles parked about and there
was quite an exhibit of various ma-
chines, among them being two pick-
ing machines of different types, sep-
arators, scoops, sprayers, etc. Around
these exhibits the growers gathered
and discussed their merits. The
visitors inspected the State Bog and
its big crop and stood about in groups
and talked over questions of mutual
interest.

These annual meetings of the
cranberry growers are growing in
interest and attendance and the as-
sociation is fast becoming of fore-
most importance among the agricul-
tural associations of the state. A
great deal of this is due to the untir-
ing efforts of Mr. Hennessy during
the 11 years of his presidency.

ANNUAL SPRING MEETING
APRIL 26, 1924

The annual spring meeting of the
Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' asso-
ciation was held in the Wankinco
building, Wareham, on Saturday,
April 26, about 60 members being
present.

President Ruel S. Gibbs called the
meeting to order and told about the
exhibit at the fruit exposition in
New York last fall which was a huge
success and attracted much attention.
He stated that the exhibit cost about
$1,200, that the donations amounted
to about $600, and that contributions
were desired for the balance. He al-
so spoke of the employment of col-
lege boys on the bogs last fall, and
it was voted that the same committee
attend to securing another suppy
next fall.

The secretary was instructed to
send out notices asking for the usual
contributions for frost reports.

Sidney B. Haskell, director of the
Massachusetts Agricultural Experi-
ment station at Amherst, spoke of
the need of pursuing investigations
along certain engineering lines at the

station at East Wareham, particular-
ly with reference to water problems
as connected with bog construction.

Prof. W. W. Chenworth, of the de-
partment of Horticultural Manufan-
tures, gave some very interesting
information concerning methods of
preparing cranberries and exhibited
samples of products made in his 'ab-
oratories. He favored glass as a con-
tainer for cranberry products and be-
lieved that there is a wide market
for such products as can be made
from cranberries.

R. B. Hunter of the Agawam Can-
ners read a paper on the possibilities
of canned cranberries, and Marcus L
Urann aJso read a paper on the same
subject and answered a series of
questions relating to it.

Willard A. Monson, director of
Bureau of Markets, stated that the
consumption of fruits and vegetables
is steadily increasing, and advocated
improved methods of market- ng.

V. A. Saunders, department of
crop statistics, U. S. departn.ent of
agriculture, told of the statistics

gathered last year and asked whether
or not he should prepare a fore:ast
of the crop of 1924, to be presented
verbally at the August meeting or
whether he should report in print at
a later date. It was voted that the
report should be given at tie Aagast
mee*-"*ng.

After an adjournment fov dinner
the Snowmobile Company gave a
moving picture exhibit at the Wair
theatre, showing the Snowmobile in
action. The possibility of u^.ng this
machine for the sanding of cranberry
bogs on the ice was discussed.

R. D. Macafee of the So izheastem
Massachusetts Power and Electric
Company spoke on the use of electinc
motors for driving bog pumps and
gave estimates and figures bearing
on their operation, answering many

questions from interested gri'owers.

Dr. H. J. Franklin of the Experi-
mental bog spoke on matters per-
taining to the industry and particu-
larly upon the need af a greater de
gree of co-operation in marketing
the crop.

The meeting was a very interest-
ing and instructive one, and those
who were present appeared well sat-
isfied with the information secured.

A resolution presented by John C.
Makepeace was unanimously adoi.ted
asking that funds be provided for
the more adequate functioning of the
crop reporting service. This resolu-
tion calls for the appropriation of a
sum of money not less than $10,000
for the use of the Division of Mar-
kets, Mass. Crop Reporting Service.

STATE BOG REPORT FOR 1922 AND 1923
By H. J. FRANKLIN.

We have made much progress the
past two years in finding ways to con-
trol our insect pests. Our tests have
shown that the root grub (Amphi-
coma vulpina), an insect that works
in the soil and harms cranberry vin^s
by eating the fine roots, is killed eas-
ily with a solution of one ounce of
sodium cyanide in twenty gallons of
water soaked into the surface soil
at the rate of one gallon to the
square foot about the first of May.
If the new cranberry growth starts
much before the treatment, the vines
will be injured greatly by tramping
if not by the chemical. The winter
water should be let off early in April
and the bog be drained thoroughly

in preparation for this treatment.
Sodium cyanide is a deadly poison
and must be handled with care. It
is made in one-ounce lumps and sold
under the trade name "Cyanegg", by
the Roessler and Hasslacher Chem-
ical Co., 709, 6th Ave., New York
City. "Cyanegg" is the handiest
form of this poison to use against th3
root grub.

We find we can control the yellcw-
head fireworm (Peronea minuta) by
killing the moths early in April with
a spray of one quart of nicotine sul-
phate and 4 pounds of fish-oil s;)ap
in 100 gallons of water. A lead arse-
nate spray used at the time (about
May 24) and strength (3 pounds of

the powder in 50 gallons of water)
to be most effective against the gipsy-
moth also controls this pest well.

We find the red-striped fireworm
(Gelechia trialbamaculella) can be
controlled well with the same nico-
tine sulphate and soap spray used to
kill yellowhead fireworm moths. It
should be applied while the worms
are in the tips of the vines.

We find we can kill girdler moths
(Crambus hortuellus) with a spray of
20 pojnds of caustic potash fish oil
soap in 100 gallons of water. If the
vines are thick, 800 gallons of this
spray per acre should be used, it b-;-
ing necessary to follow the moths
there is danger of burning the vines
if the spray is repeated. As tiie
moths keep emerging from their co-
coons in large numbers for a week
or two, three or four treatmer-ts, at
three-day intervals, are neceosary.
down into the vines with it. Only
one application should be made, for
The soap spray must ther?xore be
supplemented with 2 or 3 applica-
tions of the nicotine sulphate and
soap spray recommended for fi?e-
worms.

The Fruit Worm
(Mineola vaccinii (Riley) ).
The egg parasitism (Tricnogra'^i-
ma minuta) in 1922 ranged from 0
to 20 per cent on dry bogs and from
0 to 29 per cent on flowed ones (only
one flowed bog examined snowing
over 17 per cent). In normal seasons
this parasitism ranges from 36 to 80
per cent on dry bogs and from 7 to
55 per cent on flowed ones. Some
years it has ranged from 83 to 89
per cent on dry bogs and from 29
to 88 per cent on flowed ones As
the egg parasitism is the most im-

mediately eflFective natural check of
the fruit worm known, we can see
readily what a chance its marked re-
duction gave the past. When we
consider the relationship of this par-
asitism to the abundance of the fruit
worm, we see that the reduction oX
the pest from 1921 to 1922 was much
greater than it seemed.

In 1923, the egg parasitism ranged
from 0 to 50 per cent on flowed bogs
and from 14 to 5G per cent on dry
ones.

The fruit worm did relatively little
harm both in 1922 ani this year. Its
eggs hatched earlier than usual both
years and the worms worked in the
fruit very little after it was gathered
Some think spraying with nicotine
sulphate and soap to kill the moths
might control this pest. We have
tried this a little, \vithout de^nite re-
sults. This treatment would have to
be applied at least thrc-o times o
season to succeed. The cost cf this
and the injury done in the spraying
surely would detract from its value
greatly, especially as we cannot yet
predict the amount ol injury tnis
pest will do on an untreated bog
The Black-head Fireworm
(Rhopobota naevana Hubner )
As the weather and other condi-
tions favored us, we tried more
spraying experiments on this insect
the past two years than ever before.
As a result, we find that lead arse-
nate applied properly about two days
after the worms begin to hatch is a
satisfactory treatment for the second
brood. Three pounds of the powder-
ed arsenate to 50 gallons of water
should be used and a casein spreader
probably will make it more effective.
This spray is not more effective than

nicotine sulphate and soap. Its spec-
ial merit is its cheapness. We do
not advocate its use against the first
brood.

We tried dusting with nicotine
sulphate and tobacco dusts and con-
cluded that they are effective against
the fireworm; but they are too costly.

In 1922, we found a fungus, ap-
parently a new species of Entomop-
thora, causing such an epidemic
among the black-head fireworms on
one bog that hardly one worm in a
thousand of those hatched for the
second brood pupated. Prof. Saw-
yer, who has been working here with
Dr. Stevens, succeeded in growing
this fungus on canned herring, but
because of an accident he failed to
carry it through the winter. We hope
to find it again and see if we can use
it effectively in a spray to control
this pest. The rapid development
of such a fungus depends so on wea-
ther conditions that the chance of
success in this effort is only moder-
ate, but it presents interesting pos-
sibilities. We think this fungus dis-
ease is often epidemic among fire-
worms, for occasionally we have
seen the second brood destroyed by
some disease on a bog here and
there in previous years.

The hatching of the second brood
of this insect commonly is sup-
pressed largely and we find that the
eggs thus suppressed usually hatch
freely the next year.

The second brood on one badly in-
fested bog was checked so by spray-
ing in 1921 that very few, if any,
worms matured. A vast number of
eggs laid by the first brood moths
and suppressed in hatching, however,
remained on the vines when the^

were flooded for the winter. We ex-
pected these eggs would produce a
serious first brood in 1922, but we
hardly could find any of them after
the winter water was let off, and
only a light infestation developed.

Because of the suppression of the
egg-hatching and the possibility of
natural control by disease, the first
part of the second brood calls for
more careful treatment than the laot
pai't.

The Spotted Cutuvorm

During the summer of 1923. se-
vere outbreaks of the Spotted Cut-
worm, Agrotis c-nigrum (L.), oc-
curred on several cranberry bogs.
The infestation developed quickly
and most of the crop on the infested
areas was destroyed before treat-
ment could be applied to advantage.
The activities of this pest became
evident almost simultaneously on
thirteen widely separated bogs in the
towns of Kingston, Middleboro, Roch-
ester, Carver, Wareham, Barnstable,
Harwich, Orleans, and Chatham, dur-
ing the latter part of July. It was
estimated that the total area badly
infested was about 200 acres and
that the loss was 10. ,000 barrels of
berries, representing a money loss
of $60,000.

The first indication of the work of
this insect was the sudden disappear-
ance of the cranberry blossoms. Also
many fjillen green leaves appeared
in the bog ditches.

The larvae, which were nearly all
full grown by the last week in July,
were found during the day among the
litter of dead leaves on the br>g bot-
tom. At night th«y climbed the
cranberry uprights and fed by cut-
ting off the flowers at the pistil end

of the pedicil and dropping them,
Later, they cut off the small berries
in the same way. They also cut off
many leaves, apparently devouring
but little of them. This accounts for
the fallen green leaves seen first
along the ditches and later every-
where under seriously infected v'lies.
The most severe infestations so de-
foliated small areas of bog that the
bare uprights gave some of the vines
a brown tinge when viewed from a
distance. When the berries had at-
tained some size, the worms ate into
many of them more or less, often de-
vouring the interior and leaving only
the outer portion.

Of the two most widely grown
cranberi-y varieties, the Early Black
and the Howes, the latter generally
was preferred by the larvae. On
bogs having these varieties on ad-
joining sections, the infestation of-
ten seemed to stop where the Early
Black sections began.

On ten of the infested bogs, com-
prising a total of 165 acres on which
the crop was a total loss, the winter
fiowage had been let off between
May 28 and June 5; one infested
bog, on which an area of only 5 acres
was seriously affected, had been
drained of winter fiowage in April;
one bog of about ten acres had the
winter water let off in April, was
flooded again May 16, and finally
drained June 1. One bog was drain-
ed of its winter fiowage in April, but
water backed in onto the lower part
from an adjoining bog, the latter
having been held under watsr until
May 28. A heavy infestation ap-
peared on the bog drained May 28
and also on the low part of the ad-
joining bog which had been drained

in April. These facts suggest that
damp soil in very late May aiid early
June invites infestation of tiiis in-
sect, possibly because the female
moths prefer to lay their eggs in
damp or slimy earth. They also show
that the pest does not attack cran-
berry bogs much unless the winter
water is held later than May 20.

The spotted cutworm has been
known to injure limited cranberry
areas occasionally in previous years,
the outbreak in every case observed
being on a bog on which the winter
water had been held late the spring
before, but no one recalls a former
instance of any such extensive in-
jury as occurred in 1923. Evidently
this was a spotted cutworm j'ear. It
should be stated that in addition to
the marked activities of the pest de-
scribed above, a few of the worms
and scattering marks of their work
on the blossoms and berries could he
found on most of the Cape Cod bogs.

This is the fourth species of cut-
worm now known to infest cranberry
bogs seriously as a result of holding
the winter flood very late, the others
being the Army Worm (Cirphis uni-
puncta), the Fall Army Worm (La-
phygma frugiperda) and the Greasy
Cutworm (Agrotis ypsilon).

False Blossom

Dr. Stevens has reported to the
Association the results of his studies
of cranberry diseases. We want to
add our conclusions concerning false-
blossom. This is the disease which
has in some cases been brought here
on vines from Wisconsin. We now
think it may be native here to some
extent also. We have come to re-
gard a severe attack of this diseaao
as a mark of poor cultural conditions.

Anything tending to weaken the
growth of the vines seems to give it
a chance. Extreme wet or dry condi-
tions of drainage apparently favor
it. We have been finding it increas-
ingly on the bogs the last few years
and we know it has increased great-
ly in some cases. We suspect that
the neglect of resanding during and
since the war, due to the scarcity and
cost of labor, has encouraged a gen-
eral increase of the disease partly
by impairing cultural conditions and
partly by giving the girdler a better
chance. Girdler injury seems to
make the vines especially susceptible
to the disease.

Weak Berries

Growers commonly ship berries
which threaten to develop much rot
as soon as they can after they pick
them. Insomuch as it affects the
welfare of the cranberry industry
this probably is a grave mistake, and
it is doubtful if the shipper generally
profits much by it. We think such
berries should be stored until No-
vember and be shipped to nearby
markets just in time to be absorbed
by Thanksgiving consumption. Their
quick disposal at sound prices will
then be assured and the rot that de-
velops among them after they are
shipped will cause a minimum of
dissatisfaction. It should be remem-
bered in this connection that several
of the most important cranberry rots
do most of their work before No-
vember.

"Kayso"

A easein adhesive and spreader for
use with sprays instead of soap,
known as "Kayso," was advertised
widely among cranberry growers in
1922. It was used extensively in
sprays for other fruits in the West,

but is little known to Eastern grow-
ers. It has fine sticlvjng and spread-
ing qualities, but it does not excel
soap in this respect. Fish-oil soap
has strong insecticidal properties of
its own which "Kayso" lacks. Also,
soap releases the nicotine of nicotine
sulphate freely, thus making that
spray more effective. We are not
yet sure that "Kayso" does this well
enough. The most we can say for
"Kayso" is that it deserves further
trial, its most attractive feature so
far being its cheapness. It probably
will generally make lead arsenate
sprays more effective. Fish-oil soap
surely should be used with nicotine
sprays until "Kayso" or some other
product has been proved clearly to
be as good, for the soap has well-
tried values.

Cranberry Picking Studies

We conducted the two following
picking investigations in the fall of
1922:

1. Water scooping:

Wisconsin growers commonly part-
ly flow their bogs and then scoop
their berries "on the flood," drying
them in special crates afterwards.
They claim they can pick their fruit
most cheaply and with the least
waste in this way. This method of
harvesting may be satisfactory in
the dry climate of the west, but our
storage tests proved conclusively
that the keeping quality of cranber-
ries is greatly impaired by water
scooping here.

2.. .Time of day tc pick:

Our tests showed plainly that ber-
ries picked in the late afternoon
keep better, other things being equal,
than those gathered in the heat of
the day.

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Texts

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Annual report"

See other formats